Aaron Hernandez Murder Case: Ex-NFL Star Indicted on Charges of First-Degree Murder
Former NFL star Aaron Hernandez was formally indicted Thursday on first-degree murder and weapon charges in the death of 27-year-old Odin Lloyd.
Hernandez was indicted just shy of two months after he was arrested from his North Attleboro, Mass. home. His alleged accomplice, Ernest Wallace, has been charged with accessory to murder and has pleaded not guilty.
Hernandez's attorney, Michael Fee, told the Associated Press that the state does not have enough evidence to prove the charges.
"There has been an incredible rush to judgment in this case," Fee said. "It has been based on innuendo, misrepresentations of facts, hearsay and opinion has been represented as fact."
Although the actual murder weapon has not been found, prosecutors have gathered text messages, images from Hernandez's home surveillance system, and various other sources. They say the ex-football star killed Lloyd because he was angry with him for talking to people Hernandez did not like.
Hernandez could face life in prison if convicted, and the evidence just seems to grow with every passing week. Lloyd's body was found on the morning of Jun. 17 and Hernandez was arrested Jun. 26. Authorities say that Lloyd sent a text to his sister as he was leaving his house with Hernandez on the night he was killed and asked if she knew where he was headed. When she said she did not know, Lloyd sent a text saying "NFL. Just so you know." Hernandez's fiancee as well as members of his family are also involved in the investigation.
Hernandez is also the target of other murder investigations dating back to at least 2012. Hernandez rented the SUV that was used in the 2012 double homicide that left two men dead. He is also alleged to have shot a man in the face earlier this year.
The 23-year-old Hernandez was released by the New England Patriots just hours after his arrest. He was in the beginning of a massive 5-year contract that was worth around $40 million. The Patriots have voided the contract.
According to Bristol District Attorney Sam Sutter, the murder case will now move to state superior court in Fall River, Mass.