Former New England Patriots’ tight end Aaron Hernandez’ trial is scheduled to start jury selection next Friday. With the actual trial not too far from now, Hernandez has requested that the judge let his mother and fiancee attend his murder trial.
Because both Hernandez mother and fiancee are possible witnesses, they would normally be barred from sitting in on the trial. However, Hernandez’ attorneys have reportedly said in court filings that it is “reasonable, appropriate and humane” for the closest members of is family to be allowed to attend.
Hernandez’s lawyers have reported that both women, Terri Hernandez and Shayanna Jenkins, have already testified to the grand jury in his case and don’t believe that their trial testimony could be influenced by other witness testimony. Hernandez’s fiancee has already been charged with perjury in the case and has plead not guilty.
Thomas M. Quinn III a lead assistant for the outgoing district attorney Sam Sutter, has been appointed as the acting DA by Governor Deval Patrick. All three of these men have said they will practice continuity as their office preps to prosecute this high-profile trial.
Quinn had this to say regarding the upcoming trial (via ESPN.com).
On the eve of the Hernandez case, the stability of the office is critical.
I’m up to that challenge.
Photo: ABC News