Aaron Hernandez Released: Patriots Cut TE After Arrest

Culture

UPDATE: The New England Patriots have released tight end Aaron Hernandez after he was arrested Wednesday morning in connection with the murder of 27 year-old Odin Lloyd.

New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was arrested Wednesday morning by police, who could be seen escorting him in handcuffs into a police cruiser outside his home in North Attleborough, Massachusetts. The charges are unclear at this point. 

At approximately 8:40am, five police cruisers pulled up to Hernandez's home. Officers in plainclothes were greeted by a shirtless Hernandez, who was promptly arrested.   

Hernandez has been questioned by the police in the murder of 27 year-old Odin Lloyd, whose body was found at an industrial park less than one mile from the Patriots star's home. Lloyd, a semi-pro football player, died from multiple gunshots. According to the Boston Globe, it appears he was killed where his body was found. 

Hernandez's home has been the site of a media frenzy in the last week, when it was learned police were questioning him in connection with the homicide. Late last week several media outlets were reporting that an arrest warrant for Hernandez was imminent, but the weekend passed and Hernandez remained a free man until today. 

Police first searched Hernandez's home on June 18, and then again on June 22 for four hours using search dogs. 

In 2012-2013, Hernandez played in 10 games, being limited by injury. He caught 51 passes for 483 yards. It was his third season in the NFL. Hernandez was a favorite target of Tom Brady. He was drafted in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL draft, 113th overall.  

He is expected to be arraigned on Wednesday in Attleboro District Court.