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MASSACHUSETTS, U.S. CMC – Former United States National Football (NFL) star, Aaron Hernandez, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the shooting death of Antiguan-born semi-professional football player, Odin Lloyd.
The former New England Patriots tight end was arraigned on first-degree murder and five firearms charges in Superior Court, here.
He pleaded not guilty to each allegation, and will continue to be held without bail
Hernandez, 23, was arrested on June 26 as a Bristol County, Massachusetts prosecutor alleged that he orchestrated the execution-style killing of Lloyd, 27, less than a mile from Hernandez’s house.
“We encourage everyone to keep an open mind,” said Charles Rankin, one of three defense attorneys representing Hernandez.
“Not one shred of evidence has been presented yet. We feel confident that Aaron will be exonerated.”
Bristol County District Attorney, Sam Sutter, said he would like to see the case tried within a year. He said Hernandez’s next pre-trial hearing is scheduled for October 9.
The New England Patriots football team released Hernandez shortly after his arrest.
