Lecture Notes: The Case Against Aaron Hernandez

Overview of Aaron Hernandez

• Aaron Hernandez was a rising NFL star with the New England Patriots.
• Signed a $40 million contract extension due to his talent.
• Had a promising future but was involved in legal troubles.

The Murder of Odin Lloyd

• Odin Lloyd, a 27-year-old semi-pro football player, was found dead on June 17, 2013.
• Lloyd was dating the sister of Hernandez’s fiancée, linking the two men.
• Lloyd’s body was found with his wallet and five shell casings.

Investigation and Evidence

• A black Suburban rented by Hernandez was linked to the crime scene.
• Tire tracks at the scene matched Hernandez’s rented car.
• Surveillance footage showed Hernandez with what appeared to be a gun.
• DNA evidence was found on a shell casing which matched Hernandez.
• A box believed to contain the murder weapon was disposed of by Hernandez's fiancée.

Text Messages

• Lloyd sent a chilling text to his sister mentioning “NFL,” possibly referring to Hernandez, just before his death.
• The texts were not shown to the jury, as they were not considered indicative of fear.

Legal Proceedings

• Hernandez was charged with first-degree murder and illegal possession of weapons.
• Defense argued Hernandez witnessed a murder but did not commit it.
• Prosecution suggested a motive linked to a fallout between Hernandez and Lloyd.

Additional Allegations

• Hernandez was also linked to a 2012 double murder in Boston following a nightclub altercation.
• Alexander Bradley, a former associate, accused Hernandez of shooting him.

Personal Background

• Hernandez grew up in a sports-centric family in Bristol, Connecticut.
• Lost his father at age 16, which deeply affected him.
• Known for his athletic ability from high school, moving on to play for the University of Florida.

Behavioral Concerns

• Hernandez had issues with substance abuse, including marijuana and possibly PCP.
• Had a history of incidents including a bar fight and concerns during his college years.
• NFL teams were wary due to these background concerns during the draft.

Conclusion

• Hernandez’s trial was complex with circumstantial evidence, lacking the murder weapon.
• His involvement in other violent incidents painted a picture of a potentially dangerous individual.
• The jury’s decision was awaited amid doubts and a lack of direct evidence linking him as the shooter.