Former NFL tight end Aaron Hernandez was arraigned for first-degree murder Wednesday at the Suffolk County, Massachusetts courthouse.

The former New England Patriot was arraigned on two counts of first-degree murder in the drive-by double shootings of Daniel Abreu and Safiro Furtado in Boston's South End in July 2012.

Hernandez, 24, was arraigned on three counts of armed assault with intent to murder, single counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm, USA Today reports.

Hernandez is currently in Bristol County Jail awaiting his trial for another first-degree murder charge for the slaying of Odin Lloyd last June. He has been held without bail since his June arrest.

Hernandez signed a $40 million extension on his contract with the Patriots, including a $12.5 million signing bonus, in August 2012 just after the double shooting.

The Lloyd case has been temporarily suspended due to the double murder charge.

Hernandez was indicted by a grand jury for the double murder May 15.

Charges were read during Wednesday's brief arraignment. Hernandez also entered a plea deal and a trial date was scheduled.

The focus will now shift back to the Lloyd murder case, as that trial will begin first.

Lloyd was found shot to death in a industrial park near Hernandez's home in North Attleboro.

Hernandez's associate, Carlos Ortiz, 28, pleaded not guilty to murder Tuesday in the shooting of Lloyd. Police believe he was involved in the murder.

Lloyd was a friend of Hernandez, and was dating the sister of Shayanna Jenkins, Hernandez's fiancee.

Ernest Wallace was also indicted for the Lloyd murder. According to Massachusetts law, a person does not have to commit the actual murder to be charged with the crime. A "joint venture" makes those involved in the murder guilty of the same charge as the person who committed the murder.