Aaron Hernandez Update: Former NFL star pleads not guilty in murder case
(CBS) FALL RIVER, Mass. - Former NFL star Aaron Hernandez pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and weapons charges in the death of Boston semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd during his arraignment Friday.
PICTURES: NFL tight-end Aaron Hernandez
PICTURES: Notable athletes involved in murder-related cases
The case was initially being handled in Attleboro District Court but was transferred following the former New England Patriot's Aug. 22 indictment.
Hernandez was wearing a black suit with a white button-down shirt when he appeared in court Friday. Prior to exiting court, he turned to an individual and mouthed, "I love you." His fiancée, Shayanna Jenkins, was present in court along with his mother and family members of Lloyd, who were visibly upset.
READ: Timeline of Aaron Hernandez murder investigation
Hernandez, 23, had already pleaded not guilty in district court. He is being held without bail. During the arraignment Friday, Hernandez's lawyers indicated they will ask for bail at a later date.
Hernandez was released from the New England Patriots following his June 26 ares in the death of the 27-year-old Lloyd who was found fatally shot June 17 near Hernandez's home in North Attleborough, Mass. If convicted, Hernandez could face life in prison.
Prosecutors say Hernandez orchestrated the killing of Lloyd, who had been dating the sister of Hernandez's fiancée, because he was upset at him for talking to people Hernandez had problems with at a nightclub days earlier. Hernandez's lawyers have said they are confident he will be exonerated.
Two Hernandez associates, Ernest Wallace and Carlos Ortiz, also face charges in connection with Lloyd's death. Wallace was indicted as an accessory to murder after the fact. He has pleaded not guilty in district court and was ordered held on $500,000 bail. Ortiz faces a gun charge and has also pleaded not guilty.
Hernandez's cousin, Tanya Singleton, was also indicted on a criminal contempt charge after prosecutors say she refused to testify before the grand jury hearing evidence in the case, even after they offered her immunity. Her attorney has agreed she be held without bail.
Hernandez is also connected to the investigation into a 2012 double homicide near a Boston nightclub. While probing Lloyd's death, police found an SUV, sought in the earlier killing, at the home of Hernandez's uncle in Bristol, Conn., the former football player's hometown. It had been rented in Hernandez's name.
Hernandez is scheduled to appear in court for a pretrial conference October 9 at 2 p.m. EST.
Complete coverage of Aaron Hernandez on Crimesider
