Aaron Hernandez Jerseys Become Collectors Item Following Murder Charges

While investigations into the murder of former semiprofessional football player Odin Lloyd continue to primarily focus on the involvement of former NFL tight end Aaron Hernandez, many New England Patriots fans have already sold their No. 81 jerseys online since the now-incarcerated Hernandez is no longer a member of the organization.

RELATED: Aaron Hernandez Charged With Murder; Pleads Not Guilty

The body of Odin Lloyd was found on Monday, June 17 at a park in North Attleborough, Massachusetts not far from where Hernandez lived. Shortly after the 27-year-old's body was found with multiple bullet wounds following an execution-style murder, police began their investigation into Aaron Hernandez's possible involvement since neighborhood surveillance cameras showed Hernandez and Lloyd together with two other people hours before Lloyd's death.

Digging up enough evidence to further their investigation, Massachusetts police arrested Aaron Hernandez last week. Shortly before the former University of Florida standout was charged with murder and five gun-related wrongdoings, the New England Patriots released the player they took in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

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.

RELATED: Shayanna Jenkins, Girlfriend Of Aaron Hernandez, To Testify In Odin Lloyd Murder Case?

According to NBC Sports, the Patriots organization is now offering fans who purchased an Aaron Hernandez jersey at the team store or through the team website an opportunity to return the jersey for a Patriots jersey of comparable value. The trade-in will only be available during the weekend of July 6 and 7.

"We know that children love wearing their Patriots jerseys, but may not understand why parents don't want them wearing their Hernandez jerseys anymore," Patriots spokesperson Stacey James said. "We hope this opportunity to exchange those jersey at the Patriots ProShop for another player's jersey will be well received by parents."

While the New England Patriots are running their own system of helping fans move past the former tight end, other Hernandez jersey-holders have taken the route of selling their property online, most notably through eBay. Selling for as much as twice their original cost, ABC News indicates several individuals have experienced great financial success, since the Hernandez jerseys are becoming instant collectors items because folks don't want to wear the jersey of someone who is being charged with murder.

"I was just going to take anything for it," Ben Kent of Virginia Beach told ABC News after he posted his replica jersey on eBay for $50 but has seen the tag rise to over $220 because of increased bids.

"I was really waiting on what would happen with Aaron and the whole legal situation. Once he was arrested, I thought I would hold onto it because he might be charged with just obstruction of justice. If I kept it, I could never wear it in public without people making comments. He's charged as a murderer. I don't need to be a part of that."

In addition to being arrested and charged with murder for the death of Odin Lloyd, Aaron Hernandez is also in the middle of a double murder investigation that began in July of 2012. Despite his being locked in prison, certain people are having no trouble getting rid of their No. 81 Aaron Hernandez jerseys, even though the tight end will probably never play professional football again.

RELATED: Aaron Hernandez Being Investigated For 2012 Double Murder In Boston By Police, Reports Say [VIDEO]