Early Wednesday morning, reports surfaced of Aaron Hernandez’s apparent suicide, five days after being acquitted of a double homicide. However, according to Hernandez’s counsel, Jose Baez, the former NFL baller may have been murdered.
According to TMZ, back in 2015, Hernandez was placed on suicide watch in a Massachusetts prison, just hours after he was convicted of the 2013 murder of Odin Lloyd. After being transported to a different facility for evaluation, Hernandez’s energy shifted, as he appeared to be in a better headspace. Two years later, after getting off for double homicide, Hernandez allegedly hanged himself in his cell. Baez believes there is more to the story.
The attorney told TMZ that just last week Hernandez was in good spirits, as he believed his 2015 conviction of 1st-degree murder had the possibility of being overturned. He said the family does not believe Hernandez was in the frame of mind to kill himself.
“We are shocked and surprised at the news of Aaron’s death,” Baez said. “There was no conversation or correspondence from Aaron to his family or legal team that would have indicated this scenario was a possibility. Aaron was looking for an opportunity for a second chance to prove his innocence. Those who love and care about him are heartbroken and determined to find the truth surrounding his untimely death.”
As a result, Baez has launched an investigation into Hernandez’s death, on behalf of the former baller’s family. He believes Hernandez was murdered by someone inside of the facility Hernandez was held in, either the inmates or the officials.
“We request that authorities conduct a transparent and thorough investigation,” Baez added. “The bias law firm will participate in its own examination into the tragic events and will update the media and public on its finding when it becomes available.”
According to the Boston Herald, Hernandez’s other attorney, John M. Thompson, is looking to get his 2015 conviction thrown out, following the former baller’s alleged suicide.
“I was doing research this morning. The first thing we have to do is get a death certificate. Once we have the official documentation, we will file the motion and see whether it’s contested.”
Apparently, under Massachusetts law, “until your conviction is final, you haven’t been considered convicted. If you die before you are brought to trial or before the appeal is concluded, the murder indictment is dismissed and the guilty verdict is vacated,” former Supreme Judicial Court Justice John Greaney revealed to the publication.
