Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez Questioned In Murder Investigation

North Attleboro, MA — New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was questioned by Attleboro police investigating a possible homicide Monday.

The body of a 27-year-old Boston man was discovered in a clearing between John Dietsch Boulevard and Landry Avenue around 5:30 pm Monday. The body was found by a jogger and may have been there for more than a day, but it was unclear whether the victim died there or if the body was dumped.

The body was found less than a mile from Hernandez’s home, and although police referred to the victim as an “associate” of Hernandez, the 23-year-old is not a suspect. However, a vehicle rented in his name surfaced as a key piece of evidence in the case. Tuesday, police identified a 2013 Chevrolet Suburban with Rhode Island license plates in connection with the possible homicide. The vehicle is registered to Enterprise, and investigators are analyzing the Suburban for fingerprints.

There were about 10 cars parked in front of Hernandez’s home, as well as an unmarked car blocking the driveway. A man came out of the house and asked police why they were blocking the driveway, and 20 minutes later, police entered the home. Two men left with the officers, but neither was in custody.

Local police have declined to comment on the investigation. Calls should instead be directed to the Bristol County District Attorney’s office.

The district attorney’s office said, “As the investigation is in its early stages, no further details about this case will be released at this time.”

ABC News has cited two law enforcement sources as saying that Aaron Hernandez has been uncooperative with police since the body was found.

A New England Patriots official, Stacey James, said, “I am aware of the reports, but I do not anticipate that we will be commenting publicly during an ongoing police investigation.”

Hernandez signed a five-year, $40 million deal with the Patriots in August 2012. Hernandez had a “minor scope” procedure done on his arm in April and could miss up to four months while he recovers from the surgery.

[Photo credit: Jeffrey Beall / Flickr]