Judge Dismisses Juror In Aaron Hernandez Murder Trial
FALL RIVER (CBS/AP) — Testimony in the Aaron Hernandez murder trial was delayed Tuesday so the judge could question and later dismiss a juror.
Odin Lloyd's girlfriend was expected to take the witness stand again and resume her testimony in the case, but Bristol County Superior Court Judge Susan Garsh called a recess at the start of the day so she could talk to a female juror.
It was not clear why they were questioning the woman or what she was being asked. Prosecutors, the defense team and Hernandez huddled around her as Garsh murmured questions.
About an hour later, Garsh closed the court to the public, saying the juror would be "impacted by publicity."
Around 1:30 p.m. Garsh announced that the juror was dismissed "in the best interest of justice."
"Over the last few years, the juror has expressed an interest in serving on this particular jury," she said, also noting that the juror "attended more Patriots games than were disclosed on the questionnaire."
Garsh said there was credible evidence the juror specifically discussed an opinion about the case, including that it would be hard to convict Hernandez without the murder weapon. She said the juror also discussed several items of evidence that the court has ruled are inadmissible in this case.
Court was dismissed and is expected to resume at 2:30 p.m.
Proceedings began last week but were suspended Monday when a snowstorm hit. Tuesday was the first day back at the trial since the Patriots won the Super Bowl on Sunday. The judge told jurors they were allowed to watch the game but had to leave the room or distance themselves if Hernandez's name came up.
There are now 17 jurors. Six of those will be randomly chosen as alternates immediately before deliberations begin.
Hernandez is accused of killing of Lloyd, who was dating his fiancée's sister, in June 2013.
On Friday, Lloyd's girlfriend, Shaneah Jenkins, testified that Lloyd and Hernandez were cordial but not close.
Lloyd's mother, Ursula Ward, also is expected to testify Tuesday. She was overcome with emotion and had to leave the courtroom twice last week when a prosecutor showed graphic photos of her 27-year-old son's body.
Hernandez faces life imprisonment if convicted of murdering Lloyd.
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