04-14-2015, 11:37 AM
5 Days, No Verdict
Sometimes I'm undecided on cases we cover, or I'm decided but understand how the jury could be split based on the evidence.
In this case, there is no doubt in my mind that Aaron Hernandez is responsible for the murder of Odin Lloyd. I think the circumstantial and physical evidence against him is overwhelming.
So, I'm hoping that what's holding the jury up is deciding between first and second degree murder, as opposed to disagreements about guilt or innocence.
Anyway, here's what happens after a verdict is reached:
--If convicted of first-degree murder, Judge Garsh must sentence Hernandez to the mandatory life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
--If convicted of second-degree murder, Judge Garsh must impose a life sentence that would give Hernandez eligibility for parole after 15 years.
-- If acquitted in the murder of Odin Lloyd, I don't think Hernandez would be released from prison because he's being held on the double drive-by murder charges and faces trial in Suffolk Country after the Lloyd murder trial.
If convicted of two charges relating to guns and ammunition, Judge Garsh could sentence Hernadez to a maximum of seven years (which could be concurrent sentencing if he's convicted of first or second degree murder).
Sometimes I'm undecided on cases we cover, or I'm decided but understand how the jury could be split based on the evidence.
In this case, there is no doubt in my mind that Aaron Hernandez is responsible for the murder of Odin Lloyd. I think the circumstantial and physical evidence against him is overwhelming.
So, I'm hoping that what's holding the jury up is deciding between first and second degree murder, as opposed to disagreements about guilt or innocence.
Anyway, here's what happens after a verdict is reached:
--If convicted of first-degree murder, Judge Garsh must sentence Hernandez to the mandatory life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
--If convicted of second-degree murder, Judge Garsh must impose a life sentence that would give Hernandez eligibility for parole after 15 years.
-- If acquitted in the murder of Odin Lloyd, I don't think Hernandez would be released from prison because he's being held on the double drive-by murder charges and faces trial in Suffolk Country after the Lloyd murder trial.
If convicted of two charges relating to guns and ammunition, Judge Garsh could sentence Hernadez to a maximum of seven years (which could be concurrent sentencing if he's convicted of first or second degree murder).