WPRO News and the Associated Press
After seven days of deliberation, the jury in the murder trial of ex-NFL star Aaron Hernandez found guilty in the murder of Odin Lloyd and sentenced to a lifetime in prison.
His fiancée Sheyanna Jenkins burst into tears as the verdict was read aloud; Hernandez looked in her direction and mouthed “it will be okay,” and “I love you.”
Hernandez was found guilty of first degree murder with extreme atrocity and cruelty for the execution-style shooting, earning him a lifetime sentence. Lloyd, who was dating the sister of Hernandez’s fiancee, was found shot six times in an industrial park less than a mile from Hernandez’s home in North Attleboro. Hernandez’s lawyer acknowledged his client witnessed the crime but insisted he did not do it.
He was also found guilty on two other charges related to possession of an unlawful firearm and ammunition.
Across the course of the 10-week long trial, the prosecution made the case that the former NFL-star murdered Lloyd because he knew information which could ruin his reputation and career. District Attorney William McCauley said Lloyd knew about Hernandez’s marijuana use, his $1,200 apartment in Franklin Massachusetts, and that he had made advances on his babysitter.
While the murder weapon was never found, prosecutors argued Hernandez had it disposed of when he asked his fiancee to throw out a box from the basement of their home.
After the jury’s verdict was heard, Lloyd’s family addressed the court and paid their respects to the deceased. Lloyd’s mother said she misses her son, and that she forgives his killer.
“I forgive the hands of the people who had a hand in my son’s murder,” said Ward.
Lloyd’s sister Olivia Thibou said through tears that she will never see her brother again.
“I have to go to his grave site and look at his tombstone to tell him that I love him.”
Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn thanked the jury and said he was happy with the decision.
“The jury found that he was just a man who committed a brutal murder. The fact that he was a professional athlete meant nothing in the end,” said Quinn.
Hernandez’s conviction will automatically be appealed in the Massachusetts Supreme Court; he is also accused of double homicide in a 2012 drive-by shooting in Boston.
