Aaron Hernandez Indicted In Murder Of Odin Lloyd [Video]

Former Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was indicted today in the murder of 27-year-old Odin Lloyd, who was shot five times in June in what police called an execution-style killing.

Aaron Hernandez was originally scheduled to appear for a probable cause hearing today, but prosecutors officially indicted him on murder charges in relation to the killing.

An indictment for Hernandez means that defense lawyers would be unable to argue for the former NFL star’s release as charges were considered. After his June 26 arrest, Hernandez has been held without bail at the Bristol County House of Correction in Bristol County, Connecticut.

USAToday reports that the issue of Hernandez’s detainment came into play in a recent hearing, saying:

“Last month, Hernandez’s counsel slammed prosecutors for requesting a delay, saying that after the district attorney’s office made a ‘dramatic presentation’ of the evidence against Hernandez, prosecutors have forced him to sit “in a solitary cell,” unable to respond to the charges while the drip of evidence through unsealed court documents and media leaks hurts their client’s shot at a fair trial.”

NECN reports that Hernandez stands accused of arranging the murder of Lloyd, who had been dating his sister, and that witnesses at a nightclub back up the claim:

“Hernandez pleaded not guilty to murder and weapons charges in June. His lawyers say the case against him is circumstantial and they’re confident he will clear his name. He’s being held in jail without bail… Prosecutors say Hernandez orchestrated Lloyd’s killing because he had talked to people Hernandez had problems with at a nightclub.”

If Aaron Hernandez is convicted in Lloyd’s murder, he faces a possible sentence of life in prison.