The man now on trial as an accomplice to Aaron Hernandez in the 2013 killing of Odin Lloyd has fingered the former NFL star as the trigger-man in the grisly slaying.

During opening statements earlier this month, attorneys for Ernest Wallace admitted that their client was with Hernandez on the night Lloyd was shot and killed, but insist it was the former New England Patriots star that carried out the dastardly deed.

"It was Aaron Hernandez who shot and killed Odin Lloyd," defense attorney David Meier told the court, adding that though his client was on the scene he had no idea Hernandez was about to open fire on Lloyd at an industrial park not far from his North Attleborough mansion.

Wallace Claims Ignorance About Hernandez's Intentions

"Did [Wallace] actively participate? Did he know what Aaron Hernandez was going to do? Absolutely not," Meier added. "That's what the evidence is. That's what the law is going to be in this case."

The 26-year-old Hernandez has already been convicted in the Lloyd case and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. But the former NFL star, who had just inked a $40 million extension with the Patriots when he was first taken into custody, continues to insist he is innocent and has filed an appeal.

Wallace's trial is being overseen by Judge E. Susan Garsh, the same judge who presided over the Hernandez proceedings.

The judge intently looked on as assistant prosecutor Patrick Bomberg told the court of Hernandez and Wallace's actions on the night in question, "It was a cooperative effort," he said. "It was a joint venture by this defendant, Aaron Hernandez and Carlos Ortiz."

Carlos Ortiz to be Tried Separately

Ortiz is the third man charged in connection with the crime, and is being tried separately from Wallace.

Bomberg also told the court Wallace was financially dependent upon Hernandez, who had him on his payroll at $1,000 per month to run different errands. The prosecutor later added Hernandez had promised Wallace a $110,000 luxury vehicle and at the time of his arrest Wallace told police "he was loyal to Mr. Hernandez."

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