George Rizer for The Boston Globe via Getty ImagesFormer New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was charged Wednesday with murder in the death of his acquaintance Odin Lloyd, whose body was found near Hernandez's home inn North Attleboro, Mass., on June 17.
Per NBC News, Hernandez, 23, showed "no emotion" as attorneys for Lloyd, a 27-year-old semi-pro football player, recounted the night of the alleged killing. Lloyd's attorneys cited surveillance camera footage, text messages and witnesses who heard gunshots as evidence for their case.
Earlier that morning, Hernandez was arrested and removed from his home in handcuffs. Less than two hours after this arrest, the New England Patriots confirmed they had dropped him 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," a spokesperson for the team said in a statement.
The statement continued: "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."
Per NBC News, the Patriots drafted Hernandez in 2010. Then in the summer of 2012, he was given a five-year contract worth $40 million, including a signing bonus of $12.5 million. He was reportedly living with his financée and their infant child at the time of his arrest.
Friends and family of Lloyd told NBC affiliate, Boston WHDH, that he had unspecified ties to Hernandez. The victim's mother, Ursula Ward, said her son "is a wonderful child. He's a family guy, he has not done anything to hurt anyone."