Aaron Hernandez Charges: First Degree Murder and Weapons Indictments

On Wednesday afternoon, Aaron Hernandez was charged with first degree murder in the killing of 27 year-old Odin Lloyd. Hernandez was arrested Wednesday morning at about 8:40am when five police cruisers pulled up to his home in North Attleboro. They were greeted at the door by a shirtless Hernandez, who was subsequently handcuffed and taken into custody to be arraigned. He was brought to Attleboro District Court, where he was arraigned on the murder charge, and five weapons-related charges. 

Shortly after word of the arrest came, the New England Patriots tweeted that they had released the 23 year-old tight end after three seasons with the team. On Wednesday afternoon, the Patriots released this statement:

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots have announced the release of tight end Aaron Hernandez following his arrest in the investigation of a homicide last week in North Attleboro, Mass. 

The New England Patriots issued the following statement: “A young man was murdered last week and we extend our sympathies to the family and friends who mourn his loss. Words cannot express the disappointment we feel knowing that one of our players was arrested as a result of this investigation. We realize that law enforcement investigations into this matter are ongoing. We support their efforts and respect the process. At this time, we believe this transaction is simply the right thing to do.”

Last week, Hernandez had been questioned by the police in the murder of 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 gunshot wounds. 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.