Former New England Patriots Star Aaron Hernandez Acquitted of Murder Charges

Aaron Hernandez Acquitted of Murder Charges
New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was arrested and led out of his home in handcuffs, shortly before 9 a.m. It is not immediately known what charges he is facing, but he has been under investigation in connection with the murder of Odin Lloyd. (Photo by George Rizer for The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez , pictured, as he was arrested in connection with the 2013 murder of Odin Lloyd. (Photo by George Rizer for The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

A jury has acquitted former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez of committing a double murder in 2012.

Hernandez, 27, was acquitted in Suffolk Superior Court on charges of killing Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado in a drive-by shooting in Boston’s South End in the early morning hours of July 16, 2012, the Boston Globe is reporting.

He was convicted of a lesser charge of illegal possession of a firearm stemming from that incident.

Boston Herald breaking news reporter Chris Villani, who was live-tweeting from the court room, reported that victims families wept in the front rows after the verdict was read. He tweeted that Hernandez also cried with the verdict.

Hernandez is already serving a life sentence for the 2013 slaying of semi-professional football player Odin Lloyd.

Read more about the trial and verdict in the Boston Globe article.

-RealClearLife

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