Former New England Patriot tight end Aaron Hernandez was indicted for first degree murder and weapon charges on Thursday, August 22.
The 23-year-old is suspected of shooting and killing friend and semi-pro player, Odin Loyd, on June 17th. While Hernandez has plead not guilty on all accounts, he has been held without bond since June 26.
If Hernandez is convicted, he will face a possible life sentence in prison without parole since Massachusetts does not have a death penalty.
The former NFL tight end is facing more potential indictment charges for an alleged connection in a double homicide drive-by shooting that killed two men and an investigation that claims Hernandez shot shot a Connecticut man in the face. An upcoming hearing with the Superior Court will determine whether these motions will go to trial.
Michael Fee, Hernandez’s lawyer, feels that he is an innocent man, “Aaron Hernandez is an innocent man as we stand here today. There has been an incredible rush to judgment in this case. It has been based on innuendo and misrepresentation of facts.” Fee continued, “Today we are one step closer to a trial where the evidence will be tested…We do not believe the Commonwealth has sufficient evidence to carry its burden before a jury.”
Hernandez’s Superior Court hearing will be on August 30th at 1 p.m. CST.
