Jurors deliberate for 6th day in Aaron Hernandez murder case

Author: Associated Press
Published:
MGN Online

FALL RIVER, Mass. (AP) – The jury in the murder trial of former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez began its sixth day of deliberations Tuesday.

The jurors resumed their work after briefly appearing in the courtroom.

Hernandez has pleaded not guilty in the killing of Odin Lloyd in June 2013. Lloyd was dating the sister of Hernandez’s fiancee, Shayanna Jenkins. Testimony in the case lasted for more than two months.

Jurors must reach a unanimous verdict. In addition to the murder charge, they are also deciding whether to convict Hernandez of weapon and ammunition possession charges.

They deliberated for more than 27 hours during their first five days and have sent several notes, none related to the murder charge. They have asked for clarification on the possession charges, for permission to take a morning smoke break and for a list of the 439 exhibits in the case.

Jenkins sat in the front row Tuesday behind Hernandez, and they exchanged glances as he was brought into court briefly as the day began. Across the aisle, her sister, Shaneah, sat with Lloyd’s mother and other family members.

If convicted of first-degree murder, Hernandez would be sentenced to life in prison without parole. If convicted of second-degree murder, he would get life with the possibility of parole after 15 years.

Regardless of what happens in the Lloyd case, Hernandez will not be released from custody. He has pleaded not guilty to murder in Boston, where he is accused of the drive-by killing of two men in 2012. Prosecutors say he felt disrespected after one of the men bumped into him and spilled his drink.

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