Former Pro Football Star Aaron Hernandez Convicted of First-Degree Murder Sentenced to Life Without Parole
Former star tight end for the New England Patriots, Aaron Hernandez, was sentenced to life in prison without parole on Wednesday, April 15th, for first-degree murder charges.
Hernandez was convicted on the first-degree murder charge of killing his fiancee’s sister’s boyfriend, 27-year-old landscaper and amateur football player Odin Lloyd. He was also found guilty on firearm and ammunition charges.
On the evening of July 13th, 2013, Lloyd was shot six times in the torso, in a deserted park near Hernandez’s home in North Attleborough. Prosecutors had plenty of evidence, including footage from a security camera in Hernandez’s house, that the two men were together on that evening. Cell phone records tracked Lloyd’s movements over the course of the evening as well.
Although Hernandez’s attorney acknowledged that Hernandez was present at the time of the shooting, he claimed that two of Hernandez’s friends were responsible. He claimed Hernandez witnessed a “shocking crime and didn’t know what to do.”
Hernandez is a suspect in two other shootings, and prosecutors claimed that Lloyd’s knowledge of Hernandez’s involvement in a 2012 drive-by shooting could have led to his death.
Hernandez also never testified during the first-degree murder trial, but jurors did not seem to think that would have swayed the outcome of the trial.
Violent Crimes like Murder in South Carolina Have Serious Consequences
If you face criminal charges for a violent crime in South Carolina, you could face life in prison, huge fines, a destroyed personal reputation, and even the death penalty.
Types of Violent Crimes in South Carolina include:
- Murder/Homicide
- Assault and Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Illegal possession of Weapons
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- Hate Crimes
- Murder or murder-for-hire
Violent crimes do not necessarily happen with weapons, although firearms are often a part of robberies, assaults, and murders. Assault and battery charges can involve weapons or not, as can criminal domestic violence charges.
If you face charges for a violent crime, including murder, you could feel like you are automatically guilty just because you have been arrested. This is not the case, and you still have rights, even after receiving criminal charges. A South Carolina Criminal Defense attorney can help.
The Strom Law Firm Defends Those Charged with Violent Crimes Including Murder or Arson
If you face criminal charges for assault and battery, criminal domestic violence, internet crimes, solicitation of a minor, vehicular manslaughter, drugs, illegal weapons, or murder, you could be scared and worry that you will spend the rest of your life in jail. However, you still have rights in the court room. The South Carolina criminal defense attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help. We offer a free, confidential case evaluation to discuss your charges, so contact us today. 803.252.4800
