Aaron Hernandez Charged With Murder; Pleads Not Guilty

Shortly after his arrest on the morning of Wednesday, June 26, former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was arraigned and charged with murder and five additional gun-related charges. The 23-year-old has plead not guilty.

Arrested for his connection in the death of former semiprofessional football player Odin Lloyd, Hernandez was the focus of a complex investigation by Massachusetts local and state police over the last 10 days. The body of the 27-year-old Lloyd - who was said to have been dating the aunt of Hernandez's daughter -- was found on June 17 in a park approximately a half-mile from the former Patriot receiver's home in North Attleborough, Massachusetts. Lloyd was shot in the back of the head and upon recovering his body, police began to investigate Aaron Hernandez's possible involvement.

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In viewing neighborhood surveillance tapes, police saw that Hernandez was with Odin Lloyd and two other individuals hours before the shooting of Lloyd took place. Searching a nearby pond, police searched for clues that could potentially link someone to the execution-style murder of Odin Lloyd. Finding only a deflated football, police officials also spent over 3 hours searching the home of Hernandez during their investigation, at one point exiting the former NFL star's home with multiple bags of evidence.

An arrest warrant was also prepared for Hernandez after police discovered he destroyed his cell phone and multiple surveillance cameras from inside his Massachusetts mansion. Local and state police were also interested in uncovering why the former University of Florida athlete hired a crew to clean his house last Monday.

RELATED: Aaron Hernandez Pond Near His North Attleboro House Searched By Police [VIDEO]

While the arrest warrant wasn't delivered last week, police felt they had enough information and evidence to put Hernandez under arrest at 8:45am, EST on the morning of June 26. Hernandez was taken to the Attleboro District Court later that day where he was arraigned at 2:00pm, EST.

After learning of his arrest, the New England Patriots issued a statement indicating they elected to part ways with the once-promising tight end who was extremely productive in 3 seasons with the organization.

RELATED: Aaron Hernandez Dropped By New England Patriots After Arrest

A young man was murdered last week and we extend our sympathies to the family and friends who mourn his loss. Words cannot express the disappointment we feel knowing that one of our players was arrested as a result of this investigation.

We realize that law enforcement investigations into this matter are ongoing. We support their efforts and respect the process. At this time, we believe this transaction is simply the right thing to do.

Selected in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft, Hernandez recorded a total of 175 receptions for 1,956 yards and 18 touchdowns. Though he was growing into one of the best offensive weapons in the game, Aaron Hernandez clearly has more important things to worry about outside of football.