Patriots Star Aaron Hernandez Arrested

Patriots Star Aaron Hernandez Arrested

New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was arrested and led away from his North Attleborough home on Wednesday morning. The arrest comes about a week after the body of 27-year-old Odin Lloyd was discovered about a mile from the athlete's home, prompting the start of a high-profile investigation.

Several officers were on the scene as the athlete was brought into police custody, shortly after the Massachusetts State Police obtained an arrest warrant. Hernandez will be arraigned in Attleboro Court today, however, Massachusetts State Police will not release the charge against them until it is presented in court.

The player's home and the surrounding area has been searched by police at least twice. Police surrounded Hernandez's North Attleboro, MA home last week. A jogger found the body of Odin Lloyd, a linebacker for the semi-pro Boston Bandits, in an industrial park last Monday. Several reports indicated that a gun had been found in a wooded area down the road from Hernandez's home.

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Originally, reports surfaced that Hernandez was not a suspect in the case, but as details were discovered–including the fact a rental vehicle with Rhode Island plates was found near the scene, rented in his name–the more Hernandez became suspect with some degree of involvement. It has also been reported the Hernandez got rid of his cell phone, and video surveillance system, as well as having his home thoroughly cleaned.

Hernandez is also tied to Lloyd through his girlfriend, whose sister had apparently dated Lloyd. Hernandez, Lloyd and two other men were all reported as seen together at a bar this past Saturday night as well. Additionally, Hernandez faces another huge legal problem through the reports of a civil lawsuit being filed over a February shooting that caused a victim to lose sight in one eye.

The New England Patriots have issued the following statement, releasing Hernandez from the team: "A young man was murdered last week and we extend our sympathies to the family and friends who mourn his loss. Words cannot express the disappointment we feel knowing that one of our players was arrested as a result of this investigation. We realize that law enforcement investigations into this matter are ongoing. We support their efforts and respect the process. At this time, we believe this transaction is simply the right thing to do."