A jury in Boston on Friday found former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez not guilty on murder charges for a 2012 double homicide in Boston. He was acquitted Friday of murder, armed assault with intent to murder and other charges but was convicted of a gun charge.
Hernandez's conviction in Lloyd's killing will automatically be reviewed by the state Supreme Judicial Court. His defense attorney said he was "delighted" and that Hernandez was "relieved" about the verdict.
Bradley testified that Hernandez became enraged after de Abreu bumped into him while dancing at the Boston nightclub, spilling his drink.
The jurors were in their sixth day of deliberations. Hernandez did not testify in either trial.
Bradley also said Hernandez shot him in the face months later after he made a remark about the earlier shootings. The defence hammered at Bradley's credibility, citing his immunity deal with prosecutors to testify against Hernandez, his role as the driver of their vehicle the night of the shootings and his criminal record. His lawyers say it was Hernandez's friend who shot the men in a drug deal. Later that night, Hernandez ordered Bradley to drive up next to that man's packed vehicle at a stop light. "What's up now, n*****?"
Prosecutors said Hernandez opened fire on a auto carrying two men because he felt disrespected when one of the men bumped into him and spilled his drink.
Daniel de Abreu (left) and Safiro Furtado.
In closing statements, prosecutors presented Hernandez as a cold-blooded killer who committed an act of "senseless violence" by firing into a packed vehicle. "He wanted his victims to see it coming".
Conley said prosecutors would not go after Bradley in the killings because they believe they already charged the right person. Hernandez was acquitted of witness intimidation in that shooting.
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"What won this case was a dearth of evidence that connected Hernandez to these shootings", Ron Sullivan, a member of his defense team, told reporters after the verdicts.
Bradley's credibility - or lack thereof - played a major role in the trial. A defense attorney hugged him. Baez mockingly called Bradley's immunity agreement the "deal of the century".
On the stand, Bradley admitted to a long history of sometimes-violent drug dealing over more than a decade.
He's already serving life in prison in the 2013 death of a man who was dating his fiancee's sister.
Prosecutors presented some evidence that contradicted parts of Bradley's testimony.
Conley says the prosecution put forward a very strong case, and has no regrets.
Investigators found the "murder vehicle", a silver Toyota 4Runner with Rhode Island plates, hidden away at Hernandez's cousin's home.
The verdict comes nearly two years to the day that Hernandez was found guilty of murdering semi-professional football player Odin Lloyd. "That is evidence", Haggan said. That is not art. "That is a confession".
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