Former New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez is in jail awaiting trial for the murder of Odin Lloyd and now that he has been moved into a new unit in the Bristol County Jail, he is permitted to have visitors, which means that girlfriend Shayanna Jenkins and his baby Avielle Janelle could come and see the incarcerated tight end.
According to ESPN.com, Hernandez was originally being held in the medical unit and he was recently moved into solitary confinement in a Class 2 Cell for his safety, as prison officials felt that the general population may try to hurt him since he is a celebrity. In his new unit, he is permitted three hours outside of his cell as well as five visitors, which could include fiancé Shayanna Jenkins and child Avielle Janelle.
The Florida Gators star stands accused of first degree murder in the case and could end up facing more charges, as he is being investigated in connection with a double murder in Boston from last year. Hernandez was moved into a different unit to keep him safe from the other inmates and officials deemed it was the best spot after doing a security assessment. Hernandez will have access to a common room and phones, but not any television or workout equipment.
Shayanna Jenkins could possibly come visit him due to being in the unit and he has been away from her since last Wednesday when he was arrested at their home in Attleboro. She hoped he would get out on bail, but after that was rejected twice, she was visibly upset in the courtroom and was crying. Bristol county Sheriff Tom Hodgson said that Hernandez has been adjusting well to his new surroundings and that he has been a model inmate so far.
The Patriots released the star after he was arrested and official said that his new cell situation would be looked at again after a week. The team cut him despite giving him a $40 million contract and now they will take a salary cap hit while they try to recoup some money. The team was hoping he would continue being one of the top young tight ends in the game and now his career and life could be over of he is convicted and if he does get out, he may face a fine or suspension from the NFL.
Hernandez was called the orchestrator of the murder and shell casings found at the scene were tied to him after being taken near the body. Cell phone and video evidence also has Hernandez with Lloyd the night of the murder and police say the motive stemmed from an incident at a club, while other reports have come out to say that Lloyd has information on Hernandez's past crimes, including possibly the double murder in Boston.