Jurors in the Aaron Herandez murder trial are expected to start deliberations next week, per Judge E. Susan Garsh. On Thursday, the prosecution rested its case after more than 125 witnesses were called to the stand over a period of two months. The defense will call its first, and possibly only, witness to the stand on Monday, with closing arguments anticipated mid-week.
Will the jury find the former New England Patriots tight end guilty in the June, 2013 murder of Odin Lloyd ? Trial-watchers on Twitter having been playing the role of online jurors, with many tweeting that Hernandez is guilty and should spend the rest of his life in prison.
@davidlinton GUILTY PLEASE WITH EXTRA FRIES ? #AaronHernandez
— DIANA COWAN (@diamondgirl_01) April 2, 2015
It’s supposed to be innocent until proven guilty but this #AaronHernandez should never see the light of day again. Heartless human being.
— MusicMakesMe (@JenJen2182) April 2, 2015
To me, #AaronHernandez is GUILTY, beyond a shadow of doubt. If jury composed of rational beings, I expect similar verdict #AaronHernandez
— JustCallMeHerb (@JusCallMeHerb) April 2, 2015
@THOTcoBell @BfragaHN Amazing how people can see things so differently. I think Pros has proved #AaronHernandez GUILTY BARD.
— Casa Chichi (@CasaChichi) April 2, 2015
Despite the guilty buzz on Twitter, how the controversial case will play out is still unknown, especially in light of the incredible amount of circumstantial evidence presented by the prosecution.
#AaronHernandez plead Not Guilty. So even though it is long and tedious the State has to prove everything. Lots of circumstantial evidence — trialjunkie (@trialjunkie) March 23, 2015
According to Boston Herald reporter Bob McGovern , court will not be in session on Friday, with only motions heard on that day. Jurors will return to court on Monday to hear the witness or witnesses that the defense brings forth.
The state called 131 witnesses. Including empaneling a jury – it took 50 days in court. #AaronHernandez — Bob McGovern (@BobMcGovernJr) April 2, 2015
Closing arguments will be vital to both sides, and there is no doubt that jurors will be listening to every word that the prosecution and Aaron Herandez’s defense team says during their final statements. Sports Illustrated legal analyst Michael McCann states that “there is no limit on time given to present the arguments” but most lawyers try to “keep it concise” so they don’t lose the attention of the jurors.
CNN reporter Susan Candiotti tweeted that the jury will not be sequestered, and Judge Garsh instructed them on Thursday that when they go into deliberations, they can “work until 4:30 p.m. daily, and can work longer if they wish.”
Judge Garsh urges jury to be “extra-vigilant” over holiday weekend to avoid talk of the trial. #WCVB #AaronHernandez pic.twitter.com/R2R5Tss1Xl — Liam Martin (@LiamWCVB) April 2, 2015
Even if Aaron Hernandez is found not guilty, he will still be held in jail. According to Boston.com , he faces another trial in connection to a double murder that took place in July of 2012 in the South End of Boston. That trial is expected to start shortly after a verdict in the Odin Lloyd murder trial is reached.
Murder over spilled drink Boston trial of #AaronHernandez tentatively set for May, 2015 Get new details, fotos on cases 9p tonight on @CNN — susan candiotti cnn (@susancandiotti) June 24, 2014
Watch the Aaron Hernandez murder trial live streaming online or on your mobile phone with the Livestream app. The live video stream below will play when court is in session. Video will pause during recess, lunch breaks, and when the prosecution and/or defense call a sidebar.
[Image: Boston Globe/Twitter ]
