Juror dismissed
A juror was dismissed from the Aaron Hernandez murder trial for allegedly lying her way onto the jury. Judge Susan E. Garsh said the juror had “expressed significant interest” in serving on the jury over the past several years and there was “credible evidence” the juror had discussed evidence in the case. The judge dismissed the juror after a closed-door hearing Tuesday morning with defense lawyers, prosecutors and others.
FALL RIVER, Mass. — The judge overseeing the murder trial of former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez removed a juror Tuesday, saying there was evidence she had spoken about the case in previous years and had an early interest in being seated on the panel.
Bristol County Superior Court Judge Susan Garsh dismissed the juror after questioning her individually and closing the courtroom to hear evidence on the matter.
After a closed-door hearing that lasted more than 90 minutes, Garsh said there was credible evidence the juror specifically discussed an opinion about the case, including that it would be hard to convict Hernandez without the murder weapon. She said the juror also discussed several items of evidence that the court has ruled are inadmissible in this case.
“Over the last few years, the juror has expressed an interest in serving on this particular jury,” Garsh said. “There is credible evidence that the juror has attended more Patriots games than were disclosed on the questionnaire.”
Hernandez listened as Garsh spoke and tapped his thigh with the palm of his hand.
“Discharge of the juror is indeed in the best interest of justice,” Garsh said.
It wasn’t immediately clear how the juror issue came to light or what the judge would do about the dismissed juror’s spot.
Previously, there were 18 jurors on the panel. Six of those will be randomly chosen as alternates immediately before deliberations begin.
The former Patriots standout is accused of the June 2013 killing of Odin Lloyd, a semipro football player who was dating his fiancee’s sister. Hernandez, 25, had a $40 million contract with the Patriots when he was arrested.
Proceedings began last week but were suspended Monday when a snowstorm hit. Tuesday was the first day back at the trial since the Patriots won the Super Bowl. The judge told jurors they were allowed to watch the game but had to leave the room or distance themselves if Hernandez’s name came up.
Hernandez faces life imprisonment if convicted of killing Lloyd.