Video After The Jump
An arrest warrant has been issued for Aaron Hernandez of the New England Patiots. Massachusetts State Police have been investigating Hernandez to see if he had any involvement in the murder of semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd, 27, who was Hernandez's friend.
The investigation picked up when it was discovered that Hernandez's home security system, which included video surveillance had been intentionally destroyed. His cell phone was also handed over to police in pieces. Henandez hired a team of housekeepers to clean his home the day after Lloyd's death.
This morning Boston's local CBS station is reporting that the 23-year old player will be arrested on obstruction of justice charges. Those charges could be upgraded.
Lloyd's body was found Monday in a field in North Attleboro, about half-a-mile from Hernandez’s home. He had been shot in the head.
Surveillance videos from nightclubs and in the area of Hernandez's home show Hernandez, Lloyd and two other men together in the hours before Lloyd's death. Police say Hernandez has not been cooperative.
Hernandez is also being sued by a Miami man who claims the player shot him in the face after an argument at Tootsie's strip club.
Boston News Report
ESPN report
ABC New report
**UPDATE** June 26
Via Associated Press
NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was taken from his home in handcuffs Wednesday morning, more than a week after a Boston semi-pro football player was found dead in an industrial park a mile from the player's house.
Odin Lloyd, a 27-year-old semi-pro football player for the Boston Bandits, was found slain June 17. Officials ruled the death a homicide but did not say how Lloyd died.
Lloyd's relatives said he was dating the sister of Hernandez's fiancee, that the two men were friends and that both men were out together on the last night of Lloyd's life.
It's unclear why Hernandez was being taken into custody Wednesday around 9 a.m. and put into the back of a police cruiser. He was wearing a white V-neck T-shirt, with his arms inside the shirt and behind his back. He casually spit into some bushes on his way to the car.
The Associated Press emailed a message to his attorney, Michael Fee, who hasn't discussed the investigation beyond acknowledging media reports about it. A message also was left with the Bristol County district attorney's office.
Lloyd's mother, Ursula Ward, declined to comment at her Boston home Wednesday morning.
"Nothing to say, please. Thank you," she said, before shutting the door.
State police have searched in and around Hernandez's home in North Attleborough several times. At least three search warrants have been issued in connection with the investigation.
Reporters have been camped out for days at Hernandez's sprawling home on the Rhode Island line, not far from the stadium where the Patriots play. They reported Tuesday that Hernandez got a visit from Boston defense attorney James Sultan.
The Patriots drafted Hernandez, who is originally from Bristol, Conn., out of the University of Florida in 2010. Last summer, the team gave him a five-year contract worth $40 million.
Patriots spokesman Stacey James has said the team did not anticipate commenting publicly during the police investigation.
Photos from The Boston Globe
**UPDATE**
The New England Patriots have cut Hernandez from the team
**UPDATE**
Via WCVB
Aaron Hernandez "orchestrated" the execution of a semi-professional football player whose body was found dead the former New England Patriot star's home, prosecutors said Wednesday as Hernandez was charged with first-degree murder.
Hernandez showed little emotion as prosecutors detailed the evidence against the 23-year-old, which includes surveillance video taken in the hours leading up to the death of Odin Lloyd.
Video shows Hernandez with Lloyd at the former NFL star's home, prosecutors said, and it also shows Hernandez carrying a gun shortly after Lloyd was shot.
Prosecutors said the victim had been shot in the arms, side and twice in the chest, and ballistics showed he was shot and on the ground when the assailant fired the fatal shots.
Hernandez, who arrived in shackles at Attleboro District Court after being taken into custody at his North Attleborough home, is also facing weapons charges.
Defense attorneys argued that the case against Hernandez is circumstantial and his client is not a flight risk, but the judge ordered Hernandez held without bail.
Shortly after Hernandez was taken into custody, the New England Patriots released him from the team.
"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," the team said in a statement.
"The involvement of an NFL player in a case of this nature is deeply troubling. The Patriots have released Aaron Hernandez, who will have his day in court. At the same time, we should not forget the young man who was the victim in this case and take this opportunity to extend our deepest sympathy to Odin Lloyd's family and friends," the NFL said in a statement.
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