Fiancee gets immunity
Former New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez’s fiancée has been granted immunity sought by prosecutors in his murder trial in Fall River, Mass. The decision released by a judge Tuesday means that Shayanna Jenkins could be compelled to testify or face time behind bars. Prosecutors filed the petition last month, and Superior Court Judge Susan Garsh held a closed hearing at that time, but did not immediately release a decision. All details of the petition were sealed at the time it was filed. The court said it was because the petition contains grand jury testimony. It wasn’t clear when or if Jenkins would be called to testify. Hernandez is charged with the June 2013 killing of Odin Lloyd, who was dating Jenkins’ sister. Prosecutors have said Jenkins lied to a grand jury dozens of times, including when she said she didn’t know what she did with a box she took from the basement of their home that prosecutors say contained possible evidence. She has pleaded not guilty to perjury. The gun used to kill Lloyd has never been found. Hernandez’s trial is expected to resume today after a two-day snowstorm delay.
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman will not have surgery on his injured left elbow and will let the ligament damage heal on its own. Sherman confirmed the decision in a text message to The Associated Press on Tuesday. Fox Sports first reported Sherman’s decision. Sherman injured his left elbow on the first play of the fourth quarter in the NFC Championship Game against Green Bay when his arm was pinned between Packers running back James Starks and teammate Kam Chancellor. He played the Super Bowl without a brace on his elbow, but it initially appeared that Sherman would need Tommy John surgery to repair the damage. Sherman waited until after the birth of his son, Rayden, last week before making the decision to put off surgery. Sherman had three tackles in the Super Bowl.
New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson says he wants to undergo a court-ordered examination “as soon as possible” in his effort to prevent his daughter and her children from having him declared incompetent. His statement Tuesday came hours after New Orleans Civil District Judge Kern Reese ordered that Benson be examined by March 13. Renee Benson and her children, Rita and Ryan LeBlanc, filed the suit. They question 87-yearold Tom Benson’s competency after the three were abruptly fired from leadership roles in the sports franchises and after Benson announced that his wife, Gayle, would control the teams after he dies. On Monday, Benson was temporarily removed from control of his Texas car dealerships and banks. Texas probate Judge Thomas Rickhoff extended a freeze over the San Antonio-based portion of Benson’s interests by appointing former San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger as receiver over the heirs’ trust. The move doesn’t affect control of the Saints or the Pelicans. Benson’s net worth is estimated at $1.7 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.