Aaron Hernandez Murder Trial Facts: 7 Things To Know About Double Homicide Case Of The Ex-New England Patriots Star
Prosecutors delivered opening statements Wednesday in the double-murder trial of former New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez. The 27-year-old is serving a life sentence after being convicted of the 2013 murder of Odin Lloyd, a man who was dating the sister of Hernandez's fianceé.
The latest trial involves the murders of Daniel de Abreu, 29, and Safir Furtado, 28, who were shot as they sat in a car at a stoplight in July 2012. Here are some key facts about the trial.
The shooting took place in Boston
Abreu and Furtado were in a car on South End Street in the city where Hernandez made his name playing professional football. The shooting occurred outside the Cure Lounge in the Theater District.
Hernandez has pleaded not guilty
He was charged with eight crimes, including first-degree murder.
Prosecutors said the murders started with a bump in a nightclub
Prosecutors Patrick Haggan said the killing started in a nightclub with "a simple bump, a spilled drink and an exchange of looks," according to the Associated Press. Haggan said Abreu accidently ran into Hernandez and two hours the two men were killed after five shots.
A man, claiming to have been with Hernandez, is expected testified against the former NFL player. Hernandez is accused of attempting to intimidate that man.
Hernandez's former friend, Alexander Bradley, has said he witnessed the former star carry out the murder. Prosecutors said Hernandez shot Bradley in the head after the double murder in an attempt to silence his friend. Bradley survived but lost an eye.
The defense has painted Bradley as the potential killer, saying it had to with drugs
"This did not happen over a spilled drink," said defense attorney Jose Baez, according to the AP. "This happened over a drug deal."
The prosecutor said Hernandez's acts weren't guided by any real thought process
"Don't try to make sense of murder," Haggan said according to the New York Daily News. "Murder doesn't make sense."
The trial could go on for more than a month
Legal experts believe the trial could take four-to-six weeks.
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