On Thursday, former New England star Aaron Hernandez was indicted for a July 16, 2012 double slaying of two Boston men.
According to Suffolk County District Attorney, Daniel F. Conley, Hernandez is “the principle, the shooter, the person responsible for taking the two lives–the lives of the two victims.”
During a morning conference, Conley said Hernandez would be arraigned next week and that after a “chance encounter” in a Boston nightclub, Cure, the former Patriots tight end fired a .38 Smith and Wesson revolver multiple times from the driver’s side into the passengers side of the victims’ vehicle.
Hernandez’s lawyers, Michael Fee and James Sultan were left messages by USA Today but were not immediately returned. Hernandez is also facing charges in the death of 27-year-old Odin Lloyd in North Attleborough, Mass. in 2013. In that case, Hernandez plead not guilty to Lloyd’s murder. He was arrested and charged last June 26 and is being held without bail.
According to USA Today Sports, Patriots spokesman Stacey James said the team had no comment on Thursday’s developments.
“For us this case was never about Aaron Hernandez and his notoriety, this case is about the victims, about accountability about getting justice,” Conley said. “This was about two victims who were stalked, ambushed and senselessly murdered in the streets of the city they called home.”
In the indictments, it alleges three counts of armed assault with intent to murder and one count of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon.
Conley said the victims arrived at the Boston night club around 12:30, while Hernandez and another man entered the club at the same time. The encounter triggered a series of events that led to their death. It is possible other charges could be brought as the Grand Jury remains open.
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