And after promptly being released by the team, at his arraignment, Hernandez was charged with murder along with five gun-related charges, according to the Boston Globe. (photo: Jack Newton, Flickr)
The 23-year old star pleaded not guilty. He was detained without bail.
The North Attleboro Police Department has been investigating Lloyd's death after his body was found less than a mile from Hernandez's house on June 18. The body had multiple gunshot wounds, according to police.
Law enforcement officials have been searching Hernandez's house and nearby sites over the past several days but have declined comment on the former Florida Gator's involvement.
Initially, it was believed Hernandez would be charged with obstruction of justice after allegedly destroying his cell phone and his home security system.
This case developed at the same time as a civil suit against Hernandez was refiled stemming from a separate incident in Florida in which the tight end is accused of shooting a man in the face after leaving a strip club, leaving him disfigured. The plaintiff was seeking $100,000 in damages.
The charges obviously have dire consequences for Hernandez's NFL career, but that issue pales insignificant compared to the gravity of the murder case.
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