Hernandez charged with murder
Pro football player Aaron Hernandez faces first-degree murder and five other charges in connection with the shooting death of 27-year-old acquaintance Odin Lloyd.
"Based on the nature of the crime, the nature of the case, and the likelihood and the means" Hernandez has to flee, the state asked that Hernandez be held without bail, and the court agreed.
Police claim to possess footage of Hernandez stating "you can't trust anyone anymore," while holding a firearm before picking up Lloyd after 2:30 a.m. ET, according to the district attorney.
Lloyd allegedly texted a family member asking "did you see who I was with?" According to the district attorney, Lloyd followed with a text that said "NFL."
During the arraignment, it was also detailed that Hernandez was captured by surveillance video in the area claiming a rented Nissan Altima, at the scene of the crime near his home and returning the car to the rental agency where a shell casing and the same type of bubblegum Hernandez purchased at a gas station. That stop was also caught on camera.
Defense attorney Michael Fee called the case "weak" and evidence against his client circumstantial in asking for bail, which was denied. Fee also requested an gag order be issued.
Based largely on surveillance videos and cell phone texts, the prosecution team recited a lengthy and detailed account of actions and interactions involving Hernandez and Lloyd during the days leading up to June 17 when Lloyd's body was found in an industrial park about a half mile from the North Attlesborough home of Hernandez.
The DA connected a black semi-automatic weapon, and shell casings from that weapon found near the body, to Hernandez based on finger prints and other evidence.
The prosecution also detailed the crime scene and autopsy, which revelead entry wounds in each nipple. Lloyd was first shot in the back, but was still alive and bracing for impact by raising his arms when he was shot again, according to the DA. Two bullets that penetrated his chest passed through Lloyd's body completely.
Hernandez is represented by well-known criminal attorney Jamie Sultan of Rankin and Sultan, as well as Boston law firm Ropes and Gray for whom Fee has been the most obvious spokesman.
