New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez has been embroiled in a murder scandal and investigation and over the weekend things took another serious turn, as police searched the North Attleborough mansion of the tight end for over three hours, bringing in two dogs and crime scene equipment.
According to ESPN.com, authorities searched the home of Hernandez in North Attleborough starting at 2 PM in the afternoon and the search included police dogs, crime analysis equipment and a locksmith and the group left with 15 "bags of apparent evidence". The investigation appears to be ongoing and groups of detectives as well as uniformed officers were at the home on Saturday, which came after reports surfaced that Hernandez destroyed his home security system. Authorities have prepared an arrest warrant for Hernandez and he could face charges of obstruction of justice.
The warrant for Hernandez is coming after the tight end reportedly destroyed his cell phone and security system, which is considered evidence in the investigation. The murder involved and associate names Odin Lloyd and the 27-year-old reportedly was seen with Hernandez the night of the crime. Police said that Lloyd was shot multiple times and that the place where the boy was found was where the killing took place. That industrial park is a mile from where Hernandez lives.
Hernandez didn't do himself any favors by hiring a cleaning crew for his home on Monday and the tight end could face a suspension from the NFL and a fine depending on the outcome of the investigation. The police originally said that Hernandez was not a suspect, but they have yet to officially rule him out as one in the case. Reports say that Lloyd was dating the sister of Hernandez's girlfriend and the case has also started to shed light on other events, including a shooting in Florida involving Hernandez.
News choppers in Boston followed Hernandez to the Patriots facility on Friday and also to his lawyers office later on. The NFL has not commented and the Patriots organization has been mum on the situation as well. Hernandez was recently given a large extension and has been one of the biggest weapons for the Patriots on offense over the past few years with fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski and he has scored 18 touchdowns and has grabbed 175 receptions over his first three seasons.
The incident has prompted a closer look into his past and character issues have come up before, including prior to the NFL draft and when Hernandez was at Florida with the Gators. There was also a report that Hernandez once snapped and cursed at Wes Welker after being drafted at the Patriots facility while trying to watch film.