Hernandez murder charge: How the story has unfolded so far

Former New England Patriots tight end, Aaron Hernandez was charged earlier today on counts of first degree murder in relation to the death of Odin Lloyd.

He was also read the charges of one count of carrying a firearm without a license, two counts of possession of a large capacity firearm, and two counts of possession of a firearm without a valid ID card; Hernandez pleaded not guilty to all charges he faces.

The chaos that has surrounded this ongoing criminal investigation began more than a week ago when Lloyd, who, according to a local police source that spoke to FOX 25, is believed to have been out with Hernandez and two others at a Boston bar on the night of his death, before the men, minus Lloyd arrived home driven in a vehicle by Hernandez. The body of Lloyd was found at 5:30pm on Monday 17th June.

Family members of Odin Lloyd told The Associated Press that Lloyd had connections to Hernandez, but at that time would not elaborate. Lloyd was a semi-pro football player in the Boston area, having played for the Boston Bandits.

Michael Fee, attorney for Hernandez, released a statement on his client’s behalf: “Out of respect for that process, neither we nor Aaron will have any comment about the substance of that investigation until it has come to a conclusion.”

Following on from that, The Patriots and the NFL both indicated that they did not anticipate publicly commenting on the matter at that time.

Authorities also have asked for help finding a silver mirror cover from a rented vehicle that might be connected to the case – Hernandez was believed to have rented such a vehicle.

Authorities were also seen at Hernandez’s place of residence the following day, Tuesday 18th. SportsIllustrated.com reported that authorities searched the home.

A separate civil suit alleging that Hernandez shot an acquaintance in the face on February 13th in South Florida was re-filed last Wednesday night.

Hernandez was seen visiting the Gillette Stadium on last Thursday, but it is unclear who he was visiting. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reported that last Thursday, from a team source, that no coaches were at the stadium because due in part to holidays. Not only that, but Patriots owner Robert Kraft and other team executives also were not at Gillette Stadium. There were however believed to be a number of rookies present.

The twists and turns of the case continued as Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office came out to say it was not reopening the investigation regarding the alleged South Florida shooting, as the man who was shot was uncooperative and never told them who was the shooter.

NFL.com’s Rapoport went on last Thursday to reveal a May police report concerning an altercation between a Jets fan and Hernandez in Providence, R.I., when officers were called to disperse a gathering crowd. According to the report, Hernandez was trying to walk away, but the man continued taunting him. While Hernandez was returning to his vehicle, an unknown man was seen dropping a gun under a car.

Saturday, 22nd June, saw Massachusetts State Police exit Hernandez’s home carrying what appeared to be multiple evidence bags, which the officials loaded into an unmarked vehicle that then left.

Things begin to turn somewhat more sinster as MSP set up a tent near Hernandez’s North Attleborough home on Monday morning, searching nearby waters for evidence connected to the homicide investigation, complete with scuba diving equipment and metal detectors.

Then today, Wednesday, three police cars, two unmarked, arrived at Hernandez’s residence at 8:47 a.m. ET., and just five minutes later, officers left the house with Hernandez in tow. Just ninety minutes later, New England Patriots announced that they had released Hernandez from the team.

The team said in a 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 realise 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.”

According to Rapoport, a source close to the highest powers at Patriots said the decision to release Hernandez was a “collaborative one” and that if the player were to be arrested for involvement at some level, the wheels would be set in motion, despite possible financial repercussions, but the team are more than happy that this step was irrelevant of that matter.

It has now been reported that Lloyd’s girlfriend and Mr Hernandez’s fiancee are sisters, and an hour after leaving the bar in which the men were drinking on the night of Lloyd’s death, the victim sent a text message his sister, according to prosecutors.

“Did you see who I am with,” he wrote. He sister asked whom, and he later replied “NFL” and “Just so you know”.

The development of the story has shocked many in America and around the world, but without a doubt, the NFL will be concerned that yet another high profile police case could tarnish the sport, and its credibility even further.