April 3, 2024 • 48 mins
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Discover the haunting tale of Aaron Hernandez, a man whose life epitomized a fall from grace as extreme as they come. I'm your host, Grace D., and this week we're untangling the sinister web of a former NFL star turned convicted murderer. We begin by tracing Hernandez's steps back to a childhood overshadowed by abuse and the tragic loss of his father, a figure who shaped Aaron in ways that haunted him long after his passing. As we navigate the tumultuous waters of Hernandez's life, we reveal how a once-promising football career became riddled with dangerous liaisons and questionable decisions, all of which played a part in his undoing.
The final chapter of our exploration into Hernandez's life brings us face to face with the darkest truths, challenging our preconceptions and delving into a psyche marred by controversy and unspeakable acts. We invite you to join us in this sobering reflection on the fragility of human nature, the impact of unchecked aggression, and the tragic consequences that can unfold when one's inner demons are left to run rampant. Subscribe, review, and share as we continue to dissect the most gripping tales, keeping you informed, intrigued, and perhaps, a little bit more aware of the complexities that shape a human life.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome back Crime Connoisseurs.
I'm your host, grace D.
In the last case, we coveredthe tragic tales of Dee Dee and
Gypsy Blanchard in three parts.
This week, we'll be covering acase that many will find
intriguing, and it is going tobe two parts, but before we
begin, I want to let everyoneknow that there are topics that
(00:23):
may be triggering for some.
I want to let everyone knowthat there are topics that may
be triggering for some.
The topics of sexual abuse of achild and suicide will be
covered.
The topic of suicide will becovered in part two.
Just so you all are aware, aaronHernandez was a name that once
inspired cheers and admiration.
A tight end for the New EnglandPatriots, he had all the
(00:48):
makings of an NFL legend.
But behind the touchdowns andthe limelight is a story so dark
it shocked even the mostseasoned crime enthusiasts.
A rising star in the footballworld, he had it all Fame,
fortune and a promising careerahead of him, but a sinister
secret lurked in the shadowsbehind the glitz and glamour.
(01:09):
In 2013, aaron Hernandez wasarrested and charged with the
murder of Odin Lloyd, asemi-professional football
player and friend.
As the trial unfolded playerand friend.
As the trial unfolded shockingrevelations emerged, painting a
(01:29):
chilling picture of a manconsumed by violence and plagued
by a troubled past.
But the story doesn't end there.
Aaron Hernandez's life took aneven darker turn when he was
implicated in two additionalmurders.
When he was implicated in twoadditional murders, leaving the
world stunned and questioninghow someone with so much could
(01:50):
descend into such darkness.
In this case, we'll dive deepinto the evidence, the trial and
the aftermath as we attempt tounravel the truth behind Aaron
Hernandez.
Join me as we explore the mindof a killer, the impact on the
victim's families and the rippleeffects felt throughout the
sports world.
(02:10):
We'll examine the factors thatcontributed to Aaron Hernandez's
downfall and question whetherthere were warning signs that
went unnoticed.
Is there a link between braindamage and violence and, in
particular, murder?
This is the case of AaronHernandez.
So so, so, so, so, so, so, so,so, so, so, so, so so.
(03:05):
Dennis Hernandez and TerryValentin Hernandez married in
1986.
On May 18, 1986, the couplewelcomed their first son, dennis
Jonathan Jr, aka DJ.
Three years later, they hadanother son whose name is widely
(03:26):
known across the nation, if notthe world.
Aaron Hernandez was born inBristol, connecticut, on
November 6, 1989.
Terry would throw Dennis out ofthe house multiple times, but
always let him back in, butalways let him back in.
(03:51):
The couple married in 1986,divorced in 1991, and remarried
in 1996.
In 1991, they filed forbankruptcy.
There was constant fightinggoing on in the home.
According to the Boston Globe,his father, dennis, a former
janitor who was nicknamed theKing, wanted nothing more than
(04:12):
for his sons to reach athleticstardom.
Dennis Hernandez pushed hissons to outperform, particularly
with sports, but he was oftenabusive towards both of the boys
and their mother.
The beatings Aaron's fathergave him and DJ were sometimes
for no reason at all or werealcohol related, but often came
(04:34):
when their father believed thatthey were not trying hard enough
in school or athletics.
Dj said in an interview quote Ipicked up the phone once to
call to seek help and hisresponse was call them.
And he handed me the phone andhe said I'm going to beat you
even harder, you and yourbrother, and they're going to
(04:55):
have to pull me off of you whenthey knock down the door.
End quote.
Dj and Aaron lived in endlessfear of their father, but they
respected him too.
One day, aaron came to schoolwith a bruise around his eye and
his coach believed that theblack eye was from his father
hitting him.
Dennis once punched Aaron'syouth football coach after an
(05:19):
argument about coaching methods.
Trigger warning.
Topic of sexual abuse of a childis about to be covered.
According to DJ, aaron wassexually molested as a child.
A teenage boy at hisbabysitter's house forced Aaron
to perform oral sex on him,beginning when Aaron was around
(05:44):
six years old, and continued onfor several years.
Aaron attended Bristol CentralHigh School, where he played for
the Bristol Rams football team.
He was also an exceptionalbasketball player and track
runner.
Aaron started as a widereceiver before becoming a tight
(06:06):
end, and he also played as adefensive end.
Dennis had some run-ins withthe police, but turned his life
around to become a better fatherand citizen.
However, on January 6, 2006,when Aaron was 16 years old,
dennis died from complicationsduring a hernia surgery.
(06:27):
Those closest to him said thatthe 16-year-old never got over
his father's death, despite theabuse he'd suffered at his hands
.
Nevertheless, dennis got hiswish and did leave behind a son
who excelled at football, butone who was also emotionally and
(06:48):
psychologically damaged due toyears of abuse of him, his
brother and his mother.
It was after his father's deaththat Aaron started to turn
toward a life of violence andcrime.
According to Terry, aaron washeavily affected by Dennis's
death and he acted out his griefby rebelling against authority
(07:11):
figures.
Those who knew Aaron said henever got over the loss of his
dad.
Aaron became estranged fromTerry and moved in with his
older cousin, tanya Singleton,and moved in with his older
cousin, tanya Singleton.
Following Dennis' death, thefamily learned that Terry
Hernandez and Tanya's husband,jeff Cummings, had been having
(07:32):
an affair.
After the affair became public,tanya and Jeff divorced and
Jeff moved in with Terry.
This situation infuriated Aaron.
While living with Tanya, aaronbecame more involved in criminal
(07:53):
activity.
Later, in 2006, aaron's troublesgot worse when he suffered his
first serious injury of hisfootball career.
Lori Belmont, a nurse whowatched it all unfold from the
stands, said quote, I saw himget hit and I saw him go down
and he did not get back up.
He must have been totally outof it because they called the
(08:13):
ambulance that was standing by,and so the EMTs immediately came
up on the field and got him andtook him end.
Quote.
And got him and took him end.
Quote.
At the time, the neurologicallink between collisions on the
football field and chronictraumatic encephalopathy CTE had
(08:34):
yet gained the widespreadacceptance that it has today,
and while Aaron seemed torecover from his injury and went
back to playing the game heloved, it now appears that hits
like this likely began to changehim at a fundamental level.
Despite his traumatic childhood,and primarily because of his
(08:56):
football success, aaron was apopular student at Bristol
Central High School, where hebegan dating his future fiancée,
cheyenne Jenkins.
The two had known each othersince elementary school, but he
also started smoking marijuanaheavily before school practices
(09:17):
and games.
In addition to the pot, hissocial life included copious
amounts of alcohol, and thoughthe University of Florida soon
recruited the rising footballstar, his drug use and budding
criminal exploits kept puttingblack marks on his record.
Aaron received a footballscholarship from the University
(09:41):
of Connecticut, the school hisfather had attended and the one
his brother also chose to attend.
However, he was won over by theUniversity of Florida and its
legendary coach, urban Meyer.
According to Scoutcom, aaronwas considered the top tight end
recruit in 2007.
(10:02):
Top tight end recruit in 2007.
Aaron was offered to playcollege football at five schools
.
At first, aaron was going toplay at the University of
Connecticut with his brother, dj.
However, he later chose to playfor the University of Florida
under head coach Meyer.
Coach Meyer flew to Connecticutand convinced Aaron's principal
(10:28):
to allow him to graduate morethan a semester early.
This allowed Aaron to move toFlorida, join the team and learn
the playbook.
Shortly before his 17thbirthday.
His athletic gifts were obvious, but the person behind those
gifts was an angry teenagerstruggling with an abusive
upbringing and a growingdependence on drugs.
Steve Adazio, a Connecticutnative and Florida quarterback.
(10:53):
Tim Tebow assisted Coach Meyerin recruiting Aaron.
Adazio and Meyer told Aaronthat they believed he had the
potential to play in theNational Football League the NFL
.
Aaron's principal later saidthat the two were persuasive and
heavily pressured Aaron, but inretrospect it was a mistake to
(11:19):
allow him to graduate early.
As a senior, aaron wasConnecticut's Gatorade Football
Player of the Year after making67 receptions for 1,807 yards
and 24 touchdowns on offense and72 tackles, 12 sacks, three
(11:39):
forced fumbles, two fumblerecoveries and four blocked
kicks on defense.
He was also a US ArmyAll-American.
The 1,807 receiving yards and24 touchdowns were state records
.
Aaron's 31 career touchdownstied the state record.
(12:00):
He also set the state recordfor receiving yards in a single
game with 376 yards the seventhbest in National High School
history and he set a NationalHigh School record for yards
receiving per game with 180.7.
Aaron was not academicallyprepared for college and had to
(12:24):
take remedial courses at SantaFe Community College.
He wasn't the only one, though.
Many of his teammates whomCoach Meyer convinced to come to
Gainesville early, also did.
Aaron arrived at the Universityof Florida in January 2007 and
quickly became the best tightend on the team January 2007 and
(12:46):
quickly became the best tightend on the team.
He also ramped up his drug use,neglected his academic
coursework and grew even moreunhinged.
On April 28, 2007, according toa police report in Gainesville,
florida, the then 17-year-oldAaron Hernandez was with
teammate quarterback Tim Tebowat the Swamp.
Aaron had two alcoholic drinksin the restaurant, refused to
(13:11):
pay the bill and was escortedout by a restaurant employee.
As the manager, michael Taphorn, walked away, aaron
sucker-punched him on the sideof the head, rupturing his
eardrum.
The police responded at 1.17 am.
Aaron called Coach Urban Meyerand Coach Meyer called Huntley
(13:34):
Johnson, the team's unofficialdefense lawyer.
The restaurant manager latertold police that lawyers and the
team had contacted him and thata settlement was being worked
out, something that the teamdenied.
The police departmentrecommended charging Aaron with
(13:55):
felony battery, but the incidentwas settled out of court with a
deferred prosecution agreement.
Prosecution agreement OnSeptember 30, 2007, randall
Carson, justin Glass and CoreySmith were in a car when someone
approached it on foot and firedfive shots while they were
(14:15):
waiting at a Gainesville trafficlight after having left a
nightclub.
Corey was shot in the back ofthe head and Justin was shot in
the arm.
Both men survived.
Randall was a backseatpassenger and he was unharmed
and told the police that theshooter was a Hawaiian or
(14:36):
Hispanic male with a large build, weighing about 230 pounds and
having multiple tattoos.
He picked a photo of Aaron outof a police lineup.
The police told Coach Meyer'spersonal assistant that they
wanted to see Aaron and twoteammates immediately.
(14:56):
Detectives kept pushing coachesto bring the players to the
station, but they didn't arrivefor four hours.
In the meantime, the playersspoke with Johnson, the team's
unofficial defense attorney.
The other players cooperatedwith the police, but Aaron
invoked his right to counsel andrefused to talk to them.
(15:19):
When police walked into theroom to speak to Aaron the last
of the players to be interviewed, they found him with his head
down on the table and sleeping,a posture they said was unusual
for someone in the middle of ashooting.
Investigations no charges werefiled at that time.
(15:41):
Between practices, games, teammeetings and other events, aaron
put 40 to 60 hours a week intofootball, nearly year-round.
As a freshman in 2007, aaronstarted three games for the
Florida Gators.
He finished the season withnine receptions for 151 yards
(16:03):
and two touchdowns.
Nine receptions for 151 yardsand two touchdowns.
Even though he excelled in hisfreshman year, he was benched in
the season opener of hissophomore year due to a failed
drug test.
Following that, he started 11of 13 games during the 2008
season and finished the seasonwith 34 receptions for 381 yards
(16:26):
and five touchdowns.
In the 2009 BCS NationalChampionship game against the
Oklahoma Sooners, aaron led theGators in receiving yards with
57 yards on five receptions.
The Gators defeated the Sooners24-14 to win their second BCS
(16:48):
championship in three seasons.
As a junior.
In 2009, and after leading theteam in receptions with 68 for
850 yards and five touchdowns,aaron won the John Mackey Award
as the nation's best tight end.
He was also a first-teamAll-Southeastern Conference
(17:11):
selection and was recognized asa first-team All-American by the
Associated Press, collegeFootball News and the Sporting
News.
During his final game, aaronthrew the football into the
stands to celebrate a touchdown.
The excessive display risked apersonal foul penalty, but
(17:33):
sportswriters saw an athletewith little to lose personality
if he chose to go into the NFLinstead of returning for another
year of college football.
Aaron later said that he washigh on drugs every time he took
the field.
Coach Meyer had wanted toremove him from the team for his
chronic marijuana use, butrelented after an appeal from
(17:56):
Tebow.
However, after Aaron's junioryear, coach Meyer told them that
he would not be welcomed backfor a fourth year and would have
to try to get picked up by aprofessional team.
In the 2010 NFL draft, aaronfinished his college career with
111 receptions for 1,382 yardsand 12 touchdowns.
(18:22):
According to teammate AhmedBlack, aaron always tried to be
the life party.
Aaron was majoring in sociologyand some of the classes during
his first year included bowling,theater appreciation, wildlife
issues and two herbology classes.
He made the conference honorroll during his sophomore year
(18:47):
but, as a junior, got a D in aclass on poverty and did not
complete his second attempt atan introductory statistics class
.
Coach Meyer later said that hefound Aaron to be a distressed
person when he arrived on campusand tried to guide him in the
right direction.
Florida coaches aligned Aaronwith Marquise and Mike Pouncey.
(19:12):
He grew close to the twinsafter rooming with them, and
staff considered the Pounceys tobe a positive influence on
Aaron.
Influence on Aaron.
On January 6, 2010, on thefourth anniversary of his
father's passing, aaronannounced his decision to forego
(19:37):
his senior year and enter theNFL draft.
He attended the NFL scoutingcombine but could not perform
any physical drills aftertearing a muscle in his back
during the offseason.
On March 17, 2010, aaronparticipated in Florida's Pro
Day and performed all of thecombine drills.
(19:58):
Nfl analyst Mike Mayock statedthat off-the-field concerns and
concerns over Aaron's physicalsize were causing his draft
stock to plummet, but hebelieved that Aaron would still
be drafted in the second round.
After the pre-draft process,most NFL draft experts and
scouts projected him as asecond-round pick.
Bleacher Report ranked him thethird-best tight end prospect in
(20:21):
the draft, mayock ranked himthe fourth-best and
DraftScoutcom ranked him thethird-best tight end prospect in
the draft.
Mayock ranked him thefourth-best and DraftScoutcom
ranked him the fifth-best.
During the 2010 NFL Draft, theNew England Patriots selected
Aaron in the fourth round 113thoverall.
The previous day, the Patriotsdrafted Arizona tight end Rob
(20:45):
Gronkowski, even though he wasconsidered a top tight end
prospect.
Multiple teams chose not todraft him because he was a
problem.
Despite these concerns, the NewEngland Patriots saw potential
greatness in Aaron and draftedhim in the fourth round.
His rise was rapid and soon hewas a household name, a star on
(21:10):
one of the league's most storiedfranchises.
Aaron's draft stock plummeteddue to multiple off-field issues
during college rumors ofmultiple failed drug tests and
character concerns.
Numerous teams, including theIndianapolis Colts, cincinnati
Bengals and Miami Dolphins,elected to remove Aaron from
(21:33):
their draft boards entirely dueto character concerns.
Aaron received the lowestpossible social maturity score
in the pre-draft report.
On April 27th, the Boston Globereported from multiple sources
that Aaron admitted to scoutsand team representatives during
(21:54):
interviews at the NFL Combinethat he had a history of
marijuana use and had failednumerous drug tests while in
college.
Later that day the Patriotsreleased a statement from Aaron,
who said he had only failed onedrug test while in college and
was candid about it tointerested teams at the NFL
(22:17):
Combine.
He wrote a letter to every teamoffering to be tested every
other week during his rookieseason.
Patriots owner Robert Kraftlater said after Aaron's arrest
that the Patriots drafted himafter he gained their trust and
said they had absolutely nothingto worry about in a letter that
(22:39):
was sent to the Patriotsdirector of player personnel,
nick Casiero, before the draft.
On June 8, 2010, the Patriotssigned Aaron to a four-year
$2.37 million contract with a$200,000 signing bonus.
The terms of his contractlimited Aaron's signing bonus to
(23:03):
$200,000.
To compensate for the smallersigning bonus, he received a
contract that included a seriesof roster and workout bonuses up
to an additional $700,000.
If Aaron reached all bonusesand escalators, he could receive
(23:24):
an annual salary comparable toa third rounder, but would have
to walk a straight and narrowline to do so.
Throughout training camp, aaroncompeted to be a starting tight
end against three other tightends.
A starting tight end againstthree other tight ends.
Aaron had an impressivepreseason alongside Rob
(23:45):
Gronkowski.
Their preseason performancewould ultimately foreshadow
their future success as one ofthe top tight end tandems in
league history.
Head coach Bill Belichick namedAaron the third tight end on
the Patriots depth chart, behindCrumpler and Gronkowski.
Aaron was used as the receivingtight end option.
(24:08):
He started the 2010 season asthe youngest player on any
active roster in the NFL.
Aaron made his professionalregular season debut and first
career start in the Patriotsseason opener against the
Bengals and recorded onereception for 45 yards during
(24:29):
their 38-24 victory.
At 3.45 am on April 30, 2011,police responded to a fight in
front of Aaron's townhouse thathe rented in Plainville,
massachusetts.
A high school friend had beenpulled over earlier in the
(24:49):
evening after driving Aaron homefrom a Boston bar.
The driver was weaving in andout of lanes and traveling at
120 miles per hour in a workzone and on a highway with a
speed limit of 55 miles per hour.
The Massachusetts State Trooperwho pulled the car over did not
arrest the driver because herecognized Aaron in the
(25:12):
passenger seat.
The Plainville police alsorecognized Aaron and told the
two to go inside.
Also recognized Aaron and toldthe two to go inside.
During the 2011 training camp,wide receiver Chad Johnson
arrived in a trade from theBengals.
Aaron immediately let Johnson,who then legally had the last
(25:37):
name Ochocinco based on hisuniform number, have the number
85.
Choosing to go back to hiscollege number of 81, which was
born in 2010 by wide receiverRandy Moss, but became available
after Moss was traded to theMinnesota Vikings in 2010.
Chad Johnson and AaronHernandez both claimed no
compensation was arranged andthat the transaction was a kind
(26:00):
gesture between teammates andnothing more.
However, aaron's attorney, joseBaez yes, the same Jose Baez
who represented Casey AnthonyJose Baez claimed Aaron saw an
opportunity after the arrival ofJohnson and offered the number
(26:21):
85 to Johnson for $75,000.
, baez claimed that Johnsoncountered with a $50,000 offer
that Aaron accepted.
The money was reportedly usedto finance a wholesale marijuana
purchase by Aaron for hiscousin's husband, tl Singleton,
(26:42):
who later paid him back $120,000for the loan.
Aaron was investigated inconnection with a double
homicide that took place on July16, 2012, near the Cure Lounge
in Boston's South End.
Near the Cure Lounge inBoston's South End, daniel
DiAbreu, 29, and Sofirio Furtado, 28, both immigrants from Cape
(27:14):
Verde and living in Dorchester,were killed by gunshots fired
into their vehicle.
Witnesses testified thatAaron's silver SUV pulled up
next to the victims and someonefrom his car yelled racial slurs
towards them.
Someone from the car then firedfive shots, killing the two men
.
Reportedly, the trouble beganearlier that evening inside the
(27:35):
nightclub when the victimsaccidentally spilled a drink on
Aaron club.
When the victims accidentallyspilled a drink on Aaron, police
immediately identified Aaron inthe club's security camera
footage, but thought it was acoincidence that he was at the
club that evening, though, thedetails of the entire incident
remained murky and contested.
(27:57):
On August 27, 2012, the Patriotssigned Aaron Hernandez to a
five-year $39.58 millioncontract extension, including
$15.95 million guaranteed and a$12.50 million signing bonus.
(28:18):
The $12.5 million signing bonuswas the largest signing bonus
ever received by an NFL tightend.
His $40 million total was thesecond largest contract
extension ever given to a tightend, after his teammate Rob
Gronkowski's $53 million.
(28:39):
After his teammate RobGronkowski's $53 million,
hernandez gave $50,000 of thatbonus to a charity named for the
late wife of Patriots owner,robert Kraft.
Later that day, at the PatriotsCharitable Foundation kickoff
gala, robert Kraft said One ofthe touching moments since I've
(29:01):
owned the team, knowing thatthis is our charitable gala
Aaron came into my office alittle teary-eyed and presented
me with a check for $50,000 togo to the Myra Kraft giving back
fund.
I said, aaron, you don't haveto do this, you've already got
your contract.
And he said no, it makes mefeel good and I want to do it.
(29:25):
End quote.
Aaron said the gesture was a wayof giving back to the man and
his family who had already givenhim so much.
He said quote he changed mylife.
Now I'm able to basically havea good chance to be set for life
and have a good life.
(29:45):
I have a daughter on the way.
I have a family that I love.
It's just knowing that they'regoing to be okay, because I was
happy playing for my $250,000,$400,000 salary, knowing that my
kids and my family will be ableto have a good life, go to
college.
(30:05):
It's just an honor that he didthat for me.
He gave me this opportunity.
The $50,000 to help hisfoundation, obviously, is
basically like saying thank you,and it means a lot to me.
I feel a lot of respect and oweit back to him.
Not only is it $50,000, causethat's really not.
(30:29):
That's just the money.
That really doesn't mean muchwith the amount given.
It's more.
I have a lot more to give backand all I can do is play my
heart out for them, make theright decisions and live life as
a patriot.
End quote Aaron's last NFLappearance was the 2012 AFC
(30:53):
Championship game on January 20,2013,.
Against the Baltimore Ravens2013 against the Baltimore
Ravens.
In that game, he had ninecatches for 83 yards and a
touchdown in the 28-13 loss.
In January 2013, aaron andAlexander Bradley partied at
(31:17):
Cure Again, the nightclub wherethe double murder took place At
2.20 am.
Alexander was pulled over onthe Southeast Expressway after
his vehicle was seen speeding at105 miles per hour.
According to the state police,he was wobbly drunk.
(31:37):
Aaron tried to get his friendout of trouble by saying, quote
trooper, I'm Aaron Hernandez,it's okay.
End quote.
However, alexander was stillarrested for drunk driving.
The following month, in February2013, aaron, alexander and
(31:58):
several others visited a Floridastrip club where they rang up a
$10,000 bill.
Aaron began to worry about twomen sitting across from them,
thinking they were plainclothesBoston police officers.
Alexander later recalledtelling Aaron that they were
probably tracking the pair aspart of their investigation into
(32:19):
the double murder outside Cure.
The two men had a troubledrelationship at this point.
Alexander claimed that onFebruary 13, 2013, during the
same trip, he woke up in a carwith Aaron pointing a gun at his
face.
The following day, police foundAlexander lying in a parking lot
(32:43):
and bleeding from a bullet holebetween his eyes.
Miraculously, alexandersurvived, but he lost his right
eye.
He did not cooperate with thepolice, but instead sought
revenge.
The pair would trade more than500 text messages in the next
(33:03):
three months, which includeddeath threats and attempts at
extortion.
Alexander told Aaron he hadsemi-automatic weapons,
bulletproof vests and a crewthat ran six deep.
Aaron's agent tried to settlethe matter quietly, but was
unsuccessful.
Alexander demanded five milliondollars to keep his silence and
(33:27):
Aaron countered with 1.5million.
Alexander then re-countered for2.5 million and Aaron did not
respond.
Instead, he went to see hislawyer.
(33:49):
Aaron and Cheyenne traveled toCalifornia with their young
daughter in 2013 to haveshoulder surgery.
While there, cheyenne calledthe police twice in less than a
week, claiming that Aaron wasdrunk and violent.
In the first incident, aaronput his hand through a window.
Hermosa police were dispatchedto a beach home on Linden Street
at 8.16 pm on March 25th, whenShana Jenkins indicated she and
(34:15):
Aaron were fighting and he hadcut his wrist on purpose and he
had cut his wrist on purpose.
The call was later amended toindicate Aaron had not attempted
suicide.
Instead, his wrist was cut whenhe punched a window, according
to the 911 call here.
Speaker 2 (34:32):
Take a listen 911 may help you.
Hi, I need an ambulanceimmediately.
Okay, what's the address?
What's going on?
He's losing a lot of blood.
He cut himself.
Okay, where did he cut himselfOn his wrist?
How old is he?
He's 23.
Did he do this on purpose?
Yes, both wrists or just oneOne?
(34:53):
Are you sending someone tosomeone in danger, ma'am?
I'm making up the call rightnow.
Are you sending someone to comein and change it, ma'am?
Speaker 1 (34:59):
I'm making up the call right now.
Speaker 2 (35:00):
You need to be calm.
Has he ever tried to do thisbefore?
No, no, this is his first time.
Yes, okay.
Has he ever threatened suicideor anything in the past, or no?
No, no, no, okay.
So what made him do thistonight?
Because we got into an argument.
Okay, you guys got in anargument and that's why he did
it.
Yes, okay, well, I've made upthe call.
I have police and I haveparamedics on the way, okay, do
(35:22):
you guys have something over thecut?
Do you have a pressure on it?
Yes, he has a towel.
Okay.
Is he having trouble breathingor anything like that, or
feeling lightheaded?
No, okay.
Are you his girlfriend?
Yes, his fiancee.
You, you his girlfriend?
Yes, his fiance.
You're his fiance, okay.
(35:42):
Has anybody been dreamingtonight?
Yes, do you guys both have, orjust him?
No, just him.
There's him, okay.
Has anybody been doing anydrugs?
No, okay, you don't have anyweapons or anything.
Do you?
Was it a kitchen knife you used?
No, okay, you don't have anyweapons or anything.
Do you?
Was it a kitchen knife you used?
No, no, it wasn't a kitchenknife, or yes?
(36:03):
No, no, what did he use?
He broke his arm or he cut hiswrist on the window.
Did he break a window?
Yes, okay, so he didn't.
Did he take like a piece of thewindow and cut his wrist with
it?
Or he punched the window and hedid it on accident.
He punched the window in, okay.
Well, you didn't tell me thatbefore.
Speaker 1 (36:24):
You made it seem like he cut himself.
Speaker 2 (36:27):
Okay, ma'am.
Ma'am, these are questionspolice and paramedics need to
know when they get somewhere.
Okay, all right, if youunderstand that you need to
answer the questions, okay, okay, well, I'm in a wallet and I
just can't stand the questionsyou're asking.
Okay well, I'm sorry, ma'am,but these are questions.
I'm on the phone and didn'tsomeone answer.
Ma'am, I'm sorry, but these arequestions we have to ask.
I already told you I haveparamedics and I have police on
(36:47):
the way, okay.
Speaker 1 (36:50):
Okay, but why are we still talking then?
Speaker 2 (36:55):
These are things they need to know before they get
there.
Speaker 1 (37:01):
So in the call it's kind of hard to hear Cheyanna.
She comes through very lowwhile the 911 operator comes
through very clear and loudbecause it's being recorded from
that particular phone call.
So in case you missed it,cheyenne calls and says that
(37:22):
there's a lot of blood, aaronhas cut himself, cut his wrist.
Uh, you know the dispatcher istrying to gain the information
to see what's going on.
She informs her that she hasparamedics and police in route
while she's going to continuemaking up the 911 call.
(37:43):
She then starts to ask Shannadifferent questions about what
happened, how he cut it, what heused, and then Shanna becomes
very aggressive and defensiveand at one point says I can't
handle the questions that you'reasking me.
And the dispatcher says I needto inform the police and the
(38:07):
paramedics for when they arrive.
And she said well, then I'lltell them when they get here.
Why are we still talking?
If you can't help me, then getme someone else.
She was very aggressive to meand I understand everybody
reacts differently.
It just was such a completeturnaround from the initial call
(38:32):
, where she sounded shocked andupset and scared, to aggressive
and combative shocked and upsetand scared to aggressive and
combative.
What do you guys think?
Police and fire arrived onscene and assessed the situation
.
The incident was closed out at8.31 pm, reporting that the fire
department checked out and gavethe then 23-year-old Aaron
(38:56):
Hernandez options for assistanceand that Shiana was not making
a claim of domestic violence.
She said Erin had been madabout something.
On April 2nd, officers weredispatched to the home again.
Officers were called, this timeby a neighbor who heard yelling
(39:17):
and things being thrown aroundin the house.
That incident was closed out at10.55 pm with a report that
stated the female will pack somestuff, male has left and will
come back later.
Aaron's brother and friendslater said that there were drugs
(39:37):
and guns in the home, butpolice determined that Cheyenne
and the child were not in dangerand never searched the premises
.
Dj found his brother alone onthe roof of the building one
night, looking defeated andrubbing the barrel of a gun
against his face the barrel of agun against his face.
(40:05):
On June 13, 2013, alexanderBradley filed a civil lawsuit
for damages against Aaron in aFlorida federal court.
He withdrew the suit four dayslater, allowing the two to work
out a settlement without themedia knowing.
To work out a settlementwithout the media knowing.
Four days later, on June 17,2013, the body of Odin Lloyd, a
(40:29):
semi-professional footballplayer, was found shot multiple
times in an industrial park nearNorth Attleboro, massachusetts,
sending shockwaves through thecommunity and setting off a
high-profile investigation.
And this is where we're goingto leave off.
Be sure to tune in next week aswe go over the murder of Odin
(40:50):
Lloyd, the trial and so muchmore.
As we wrap up, I want to expressa heartfelt appreciation to all
of you, the dedicated listeners, for joining me on this
gripping journey into AaronHernandez's life and crimes.
But the story of thisperplexing man is far from over.
There are still unansweredquestions, hidden motives and
(41:14):
untold secrets that demand ourattention.
Motives and untold secrets thatdemand our attention.
So, my fellow truth seekers,prepare yourselves for a highly
anticipated part two.
In the upcoming episode, we willdelve even deeper into the
complex psyche of AaronHernandez, exploring the events
that led to his downfall and theshocking revelations that will
(41:37):
leave you questioning everythingyou thought you knew.
We will uncover the web ofconnections, the untold stories
and the chilling truth that liesbeneath the surface.
Please stay tuned for part two.
Together, we will peel back thelayers of darkness surrounding
Aaron Hernandez, shedding lighton a case that captivated the
(41:58):
nation.
Remember, keep your mind open,your curiosity alive and stay
vigilant.
Thank you for tuning in.
If you enjoyed today's episode,be sure to subscribe, leave a
review and share with yourfriends.
You can find Crime Connoisseurswherever you listen to your
podcasts and follow us onInstagram at Crime Connoisseurs.
(42:22):
In the meantime, keep it classy, connoisseurs, and I'll catch
you on the next case.
Thank you, we'll see you nexttime.
Welcome back Crime Connoisseurs.
I'm your host, grace D.
In the last case, we coveredthe tragic tales of Dee Dee and
Gypsy Blanchard in three parts.
This week, we'll be covering acase that many will find
intriguing, and it is going tobe two parts, but before we
begin, I want to let everyoneknow that there are topics that
(00:23):
may be triggering for some.
I want to let everyone knowthat there are topics that may
be triggering for some.
The topics of sexual abuse of achild and suicide will be
covered.
The topic of suicide will becovered in part two.
Just so you all are aware, aaronHernandez was a name that once
inspired cheers and admiration.
A tight end for the New EnglandPatriots, he had all the
(00:48):
makings of an NFL legend.
But behind the touchdowns andthe limelight is a story so dark
it shocked even the mostseasoned crime enthusiasts.
A rising star in the footballworld, he had it all Fame,
fortune and a promising careerahead of him, but a sinister
secret lurked in the shadowsbehind the glitz and glamour.
(01:09):
In 2013, aaron Hernandez wasarrested and charged with the
murder of Odin Lloyd, asemi-professional football
player and friend.
As the trial unfolded playerand friend.
As the trial unfolded shockingrevelations emerged, painting a
(01:29):
chilling picture of a manconsumed by violence and plagued
by a troubled past.
But the story doesn't end there.
Aaron Hernandez's life took aneven darker turn when he was
implicated in two additionalmurders.
When he was implicated in twoadditional murders, leaving the
world stunned and questioninghow someone with so much could
(01:50):
descend into such darkness.
In this case, we'll dive deepinto the evidence, the trial and
the aftermath as we attempt tounravel the truth behind Aaron
Hernandez.
Join me as we explore the mindof a killer, the impact on the
victim's families and the rippleeffects felt throughout the
sports world.
(02:10):
We'll examine the factors thatcontributed to Aaron Hernandez's
downfall and question whetherthere were warning signs that
went unnoticed.
Is there a link between braindamage and violence and, in
particular, murder?
This is the case of AaronHernandez.
So so, so, so, so, so, so, so,so, so, so, so, so so.
(03:05):
Dennis Hernandez and TerryValentin Hernandez married in
1986.
On May 18, 1986, the couplewelcomed their first son, dennis
Jonathan Jr, aka DJ.
Three years later, they hadanother son whose name is widely
(03:26):
known across the nation, if notthe world.
Aaron Hernandez was born inBristol, connecticut, on
November 6, 1989.
Terry would throw Dennis out ofthe house multiple times, but
always let him back in, butalways let him back in.
(03:51):
The couple married in 1986,divorced in 1991, and remarried
in 1996.
In 1991, they filed forbankruptcy.
There was constant fightinggoing on in the home.
According to the Boston Globe,his father, dennis, a former
janitor who was nicknamed theKing, wanted nothing more than
(04:12):
for his sons to reach athleticstardom.
Dennis Hernandez pushed hissons to outperform, particularly
with sports, but he was oftenabusive towards both of the boys
and their mother.
The beatings Aaron's fathergave him and DJ were sometimes
for no reason at all or werealcohol related, but often came
(04:34):
when their father believed thatthey were not trying hard enough
in school or athletics.
Dj said in an interview quote Ipicked up the phone once to
call to seek help and hisresponse was call them.
And he handed me the phone andhe said I'm going to beat you
even harder, you and yourbrother, and they're going to
(04:55):
have to pull me off of you whenthey knock down the door.
End quote.
Dj and Aaron lived in endlessfear of their father, but they
respected him too.
One day, aaron came to schoolwith a bruise around his eye and
his coach believed that theblack eye was from his father
hitting him.
Dennis once punched Aaron'syouth football coach after an
(05:19):
argument about coaching methods.
Trigger warning.
Topic of sexual abuse of a childis about to be covered.
According to DJ, aaron wassexually molested as a child.
A teenage boy at hisbabysitter's house forced Aaron
to perform oral sex on him,beginning when Aaron was around
(05:44):
six years old, and continued onfor several years.
Aaron attended Bristol CentralHigh School, where he played for
the Bristol Rams football team.
He was also an exceptionalbasketball player and track
runner.
Aaron started as a widereceiver before becoming a tight
(06:06):
end, and he also played as adefensive end.
Dennis had some run-ins withthe police, but turned his life
around to become a better fatherand citizen.
However, on January 6, 2006,when Aaron was 16 years old,
dennis died from complicationsduring a hernia surgery.
(06:27):
Those closest to him said thatthe 16-year-old never got over
his father's death, despite theabuse he'd suffered at his hands
.
Nevertheless, dennis got hiswish and did leave behind a son
who excelled at football, butone who was also emotionally and
(06:48):
psychologically damaged due toyears of abuse of him, his
brother and his mother.
It was after his father's deaththat Aaron started to turn
toward a life of violence andcrime.
According to Terry, aaron washeavily affected by Dennis's
death and he acted out his griefby rebelling against authority
(07:11):
figures.
Those who knew Aaron said henever got over the loss of his
dad.
Aaron became estranged fromTerry and moved in with his
older cousin, tanya Singleton,and moved in with his older
cousin, tanya Singleton.
Following Dennis' death, thefamily learned that Terry
Hernandez and Tanya's husband,jeff Cummings, had been having
(07:32):
an affair.
After the affair became public,tanya and Jeff divorced and
Jeff moved in with Terry.
This situation infuriated Aaron.
While living with Tanya, aaronbecame more involved in criminal
(07:53):
activity.
Later, in 2006, aaron's troublesgot worse when he suffered his
first serious injury of hisfootball career.
Lori Belmont, a nurse whowatched it all unfold from the
stands, said quote, I saw himget hit and I saw him go down
and he did not get back up.
He must have been totally outof it because they called the
(08:13):
ambulance that was standing by,and so the EMTs immediately came
up on the field and got him andtook him end.
Quote.
And got him and took him end.
Quote.
At the time, the neurologicallink between collisions on the
football field and chronictraumatic encephalopathy CTE had
(08:34):
yet gained the widespreadacceptance that it has today,
and while Aaron seemed torecover from his injury and went
back to playing the game heloved, it now appears that hits
like this likely began to changehim at a fundamental level.
Despite his traumatic childhood,and primarily because of his
(08:56):
football success, aaron was apopular student at Bristol
Central High School, where hebegan dating his future fiancée,
cheyenne Jenkins.
The two had known each othersince elementary school, but he
also started smoking marijuanaheavily before school practices
(09:17):
and games.
In addition to the pot, hissocial life included copious
amounts of alcohol, and thoughthe University of Florida soon
recruited the rising footballstar, his drug use and budding
criminal exploits kept puttingblack marks on his record.
Aaron received a footballscholarship from the University
(09:41):
of Connecticut, the school hisfather had attended and the one
his brother also chose to attend.
However, he was won over by theUniversity of Florida and its
legendary coach, urban Meyer.
According to Scoutcom, aaronwas considered the top tight end
recruit in 2007.
(10:02):
Top tight end recruit in 2007.
Aaron was offered to playcollege football at five schools
.
At first, aaron was going toplay at the University of
Connecticut with his brother, dj.
However, he later chose to playfor the University of Florida
under head coach Meyer.
Coach Meyer flew to Connecticutand convinced Aaron's principal
(10:28):
to allow him to graduate morethan a semester early.
This allowed Aaron to move toFlorida, join the team and learn
the playbook.
Shortly before his 17thbirthday.
His athletic gifts were obvious, but the person behind those
gifts was an angry teenagerstruggling with an abusive
upbringing and a growingdependence on drugs.
Steve Adazio, a Connecticutnative and Florida quarterback.
(10:53):
Tim Tebow assisted Coach Meyerin recruiting Aaron.
Adazio and Meyer told Aaronthat they believed he had the
potential to play in theNational Football League the NFL
.
Aaron's principal later saidthat the two were persuasive and
heavily pressured Aaron, but inretrospect it was a mistake to
(11:19):
allow him to graduate early.
As a senior, aaron wasConnecticut's Gatorade Football
Player of the Year after making67 receptions for 1,807 yards
and 24 touchdowns on offense and72 tackles, 12 sacks, three
(11:39):
forced fumbles, two fumblerecoveries and four blocked
kicks on defense.
He was also a US ArmyAll-American.
The 1,807 receiving yards and24 touchdowns were state records
.
Aaron's 31 career touchdownstied the state record.
(12:00):
He also set the state recordfor receiving yards in a single
game with 376 yards the seventhbest in National High School
history and he set a NationalHigh School record for yards
receiving per game with 180.7.
Aaron was not academicallyprepared for college and had to
(12:24):
take remedial courses at SantaFe Community College.
He wasn't the only one, though.
Many of his teammates whomCoach Meyer convinced to come to
Gainesville early, also did.
Aaron arrived at the Universityof Florida in January 2007 and
quickly became the best tightend on the team January 2007 and
(12:46):
quickly became the best tightend on the team.
He also ramped up his drug use,neglected his academic
coursework and grew even moreunhinged.
On April 28, 2007, according toa police report in Gainesville,
florida, the then 17-year-oldAaron Hernandez was with
teammate quarterback Tim Tebowat the Swamp.
Aaron had two alcoholic drinksin the restaurant, refused to
(13:11):
pay the bill and was escortedout by a restaurant employee.
As the manager, michael Taphorn, walked away, aaron
sucker-punched him on the sideof the head, rupturing his
eardrum.
The police responded at 1.17 am.
Aaron called Coach Urban Meyerand Coach Meyer called Huntley
(13:34):
Johnson, the team's unofficialdefense lawyer.
The restaurant manager latertold police that lawyers and the
team had contacted him and thata settlement was being worked
out, something that the teamdenied.
The police departmentrecommended charging Aaron with
(13:55):
felony battery, but the incidentwas settled out of court with a
deferred prosecution agreement.
Prosecution agreement OnSeptember 30, 2007, randall
Carson, justin Glass and CoreySmith were in a car when someone
approached it on foot and firedfive shots while they were
(14:15):
waiting at a Gainesville trafficlight after having left a
nightclub.
Corey was shot in the back ofthe head and Justin was shot in
the arm.
Both men survived.
Randall was a backseatpassenger and he was unharmed
and told the police that theshooter was a Hawaiian or
(14:36):
Hispanic male with a large build, weighing about 230 pounds and
having multiple tattoos.
He picked a photo of Aaron outof a police lineup.
The police told Coach Meyer'spersonal assistant that they
wanted to see Aaron and twoteammates immediately.
(14:56):
Detectives kept pushing coachesto bring the players to the
station, but they didn't arrivefor four hours.
In the meantime, the playersspoke with Johnson, the team's
unofficial defense attorney.
The other players cooperatedwith the police, but Aaron
invoked his right to counsel andrefused to talk to them.
(15:19):
When police walked into theroom to speak to Aaron the last
of the players to be interviewed, they found him with his head
down on the table and sleeping,a posture they said was unusual
for someone in the middle of ashooting.
Investigations no charges werefiled at that time.
(15:41):
Between practices, games, teammeetings and other events, aaron
put 40 to 60 hours a week intofootball, nearly year-round.
As a freshman in 2007, aaronstarted three games for the
Florida Gators.
He finished the season withnine receptions for 151 yards
(16:03):
and two touchdowns.
Nine receptions for 151 yardsand two touchdowns.
Even though he excelled in hisfreshman year, he was benched in
the season opener of hissophomore year due to a failed
drug test.
Following that, he started 11of 13 games during the 2008
season and finished the seasonwith 34 receptions for 381 yards
(16:26):
and five touchdowns.
In the 2009 BCS NationalChampionship game against the
Oklahoma Sooners, aaron led theGators in receiving yards with
57 yards on five receptions.
The Gators defeated the Sooners24-14 to win their second BCS
(16:48):
championship in three seasons.
As a junior.
In 2009, and after leading theteam in receptions with 68 for
850 yards and five touchdowns,aaron won the John Mackey Award
as the nation's best tight end.
He was also a first-teamAll-Southeastern Conference
(17:11):
selection and was recognized asa first-team All-American by the
Associated Press, collegeFootball News and the Sporting
News.
During his final game, aaronthrew the football into the
stands to celebrate a touchdown.
The excessive display risked apersonal foul penalty, but
(17:33):
sportswriters saw an athletewith little to lose personality
if he chose to go into the NFLinstead of returning for another
year of college football.
Aaron later said that he washigh on drugs every time he took
the field.
Coach Meyer had wanted toremove him from the team for his
chronic marijuana use, butrelented after an appeal from
(17:56):
Tebow.
However, after Aaron's junioryear, coach Meyer told them that
he would not be welcomed backfor a fourth year and would have
to try to get picked up by aprofessional team.
In the 2010 NFL draft, aaronfinished his college career with
111 receptions for 1,382 yardsand 12 touchdowns.
(18:22):
According to teammate AhmedBlack, aaron always tried to be
the life party.
Aaron was majoring in sociologyand some of the classes during
his first year included bowling,theater appreciation, wildlife
issues and two herbology classes.
He made the conference honorroll during his sophomore year
(18:47):
but, as a junior, got a D in aclass on poverty and did not
complete his second attempt atan introductory statistics class
.
Coach Meyer later said that hefound Aaron to be a distressed
person when he arrived on campusand tried to guide him in the
right direction.
Florida coaches aligned Aaronwith Marquise and Mike Pouncey.
(19:12):
He grew close to the twinsafter rooming with them, and
staff considered the Pounceys tobe a positive influence on
Aaron.
Influence on Aaron.
On January 6, 2010, on thefourth anniversary of his
father's passing, aaronannounced his decision to forego
(19:37):
his senior year and enter theNFL draft.
He attended the NFL scoutingcombine but could not perform
any physical drills aftertearing a muscle in his back
during the offseason.
On March 17, 2010, aaronparticipated in Florida's Pro
Day and performed all of thecombine drills.
(19:58):
Nfl analyst Mike Mayock statedthat off-the-field concerns and
concerns over Aaron's physicalsize were causing his draft
stock to plummet, but hebelieved that Aaron would still
be drafted in the second round.
After the pre-draft process,most NFL draft experts and
scouts projected him as asecond-round pick.
Bleacher Report ranked him thethird-best tight end prospect in
(20:21):
the draft, mayock ranked himthe fourth-best and
DraftScoutcom ranked him thethird-best tight end prospect in
the draft.
Mayock ranked him thefourth-best and DraftScoutcom
ranked him the fifth-best.
During the 2010 NFL Draft, theNew England Patriots selected
Aaron in the fourth round 113thoverall.
The previous day, the Patriotsdrafted Arizona tight end Rob
(20:45):
Gronkowski, even though he wasconsidered a top tight end
prospect.
Multiple teams chose not todraft him because he was a
problem.
Despite these concerns, the NewEngland Patriots saw potential
greatness in Aaron and draftedhim in the fourth round.
His rise was rapid and soon hewas a household name, a star on
(21:10):
one of the league's most storiedfranchises.
Aaron's draft stock plummeteddue to multiple off-field issues
during college rumors ofmultiple failed drug tests and
character concerns.
Numerous teams, including theIndianapolis Colts, cincinnati
Bengals and Miami Dolphins,elected to remove Aaron from
(21:33):
their draft boards entirely dueto character concerns.
Aaron received the lowestpossible social maturity score
in the pre-draft report.
On April 27th, the Boston Globereported from multiple sources
that Aaron admitted to scoutsand team representatives during
(21:54):
interviews at the NFL Combinethat he had a history of
marijuana use and had failednumerous drug tests while in
college.
Later that day the Patriotsreleased a statement from Aaron,
who said he had only failed onedrug test while in college and
was candid about it tointerested teams at the NFL
(22:17):
Combine.
He wrote a letter to every teamoffering to be tested every
other week during his rookieseason.
Patriots owner Robert Kraftlater said after Aaron's arrest
that the Patriots drafted himafter he gained their trust and
said they had absolutely nothingto worry about in a letter that
(22:39):
was sent to the Patriotsdirector of player personnel,
nick Casiero, before the draft.
On June 8, 2010, the Patriotssigned Aaron to a four-year
$2.37 million contract with a$200,000 signing bonus.
The terms of his contractlimited Aaron's signing bonus to
(23:03):
$200,000.
To compensate for the smallersigning bonus, he received a
contract that included a seriesof roster and workout bonuses up
to an additional $700,000.
If Aaron reached all bonusesand escalators, he could receive
(23:24):
an annual salary comparable toa third rounder, but would have
to walk a straight and narrowline to do so.
Throughout training camp, aaroncompeted to be a starting tight
end against three other tightends.
A starting tight end againstthree other tight ends.
Aaron had an impressivepreseason alongside Rob
(23:45):
Gronkowski.
Their preseason performancewould ultimately foreshadow
their future success as one ofthe top tight end tandems in
league history.
Head coach Bill Belichick namedAaron the third tight end on
the Patriots depth chart, behindCrumpler and Gronkowski.
Aaron was used as the receivingtight end option.
(24:08):
He started the 2010 season asthe youngest player on any
active roster in the NFL.
Aaron made his professionalregular season debut and first
career start in the Patriotsseason opener against the
Bengals and recorded onereception for 45 yards during
(24:29):
their 38-24 victory.
At 3.45 am on April 30, 2011,police responded to a fight in
front of Aaron's townhouse thathe rented in Plainville,
massachusetts.
A high school friend had beenpulled over earlier in the
(24:49):
evening after driving Aaron homefrom a Boston bar.
The driver was weaving in andout of lanes and traveling at
120 miles per hour in a workzone and on a highway with a
speed limit of 55 miles per hour.
The Massachusetts State Trooperwho pulled the car over did not
arrest the driver because herecognized Aaron in the
(25:12):
passenger seat.
The Plainville police alsorecognized Aaron and told the
two to go inside.
Also recognized Aaron and toldthe two to go inside.
During the 2011 training camp,wide receiver Chad Johnson
arrived in a trade from theBengals.
Aaron immediately let Johnson,who then legally had the last
(25:37):
name Ochocinco based on hisuniform number, have the number
85.
Choosing to go back to hiscollege number of 81, which was
born in 2010 by wide receiverRandy Moss, but became available
after Moss was traded to theMinnesota Vikings in 2010.
Chad Johnson and AaronHernandez both claimed no
compensation was arranged andthat the transaction was a kind
(26:00):
gesture between teammates andnothing more.
However, aaron's attorney, joseBaez yes, the same Jose Baez
who represented Casey AnthonyJose Baez claimed Aaron saw an
opportunity after the arrival ofJohnson and offered the number
(26:21):
85 to Johnson for $75,000.
, baez claimed that Johnsoncountered with a $50,000 offer
that Aaron accepted.
The money was reportedly usedto finance a wholesale marijuana
purchase by Aaron for hiscousin's husband, tl Singleton,
(26:42):
who later paid him back $120,000for the loan.
Aaron was investigated inconnection with a double
homicide that took place on July16, 2012, near the Cure Lounge
in Boston's South End.
Near the Cure Lounge inBoston's South End, daniel
DiAbreu, 29, and Sofirio Furtado, 28, both immigrants from Cape
(27:14):
Verde and living in Dorchester,were killed by gunshots fired
into their vehicle.
Witnesses testified thatAaron's silver SUV pulled up
next to the victims and someonefrom his car yelled racial slurs
towards them.
Someone from the car then firedfive shots, killing the two men
.
Reportedly, the trouble beganearlier that evening inside the
(27:35):
nightclub when the victimsaccidentally spilled a drink on
Aaron club.
When the victims accidentallyspilled a drink on Aaron, police
immediately identified Aaron inthe club's security camera
footage, but thought it was acoincidence that he was at the
club that evening, though, thedetails of the entire incident
remained murky and contested.
(27:57):
On August 27, 2012, the Patriotssigned Aaron Hernandez to a
five-year $39.58 millioncontract extension, including
$15.95 million guaranteed and a$12.50 million signing bonus.
(28:18):
The $12.5 million signing bonuswas the largest signing bonus
ever received by an NFL tightend.
His $40 million total was thesecond largest contract
extension ever given to a tightend, after his teammate Rob
Gronkowski's $53 million.
(28:39):
After his teammate RobGronkowski's $53 million,
hernandez gave $50,000 of thatbonus to a charity named for the
late wife of Patriots owner,robert Kraft.
Later that day, at the PatriotsCharitable Foundation kickoff
gala, robert Kraft said One ofthe touching moments since I've
(29:01):
owned the team, knowing thatthis is our charitable gala
Aaron came into my office alittle teary-eyed and presented
me with a check for $50,000 togo to the Myra Kraft giving back
fund.
I said, aaron, you don't haveto do this, you've already got
your contract.
And he said no, it makes mefeel good and I want to do it.
(29:25):
End quote.
Aaron said the gesture was a wayof giving back to the man and
his family who had already givenhim so much.
He said quote he changed mylife.
Now I'm able to basically havea good chance to be set for life
and have a good life.
(29:45):
I have a daughter on the way.
I have a family that I love.
It's just knowing that they'regoing to be okay, because I was
happy playing for my $250,000,$400,000 salary, knowing that my
kids and my family will be ableto have a good life, go to
college.
(30:05):
It's just an honor that he didthat for me.
He gave me this opportunity.
The $50,000 to help hisfoundation, obviously, is
basically like saying thank you,and it means a lot to me.
I feel a lot of respect and oweit back to him.
Not only is it $50,000, causethat's really not.
(30:29):
That's just the money.
That really doesn't mean muchwith the amount given.
It's more.
I have a lot more to give backand all I can do is play my
heart out for them, make theright decisions and live life as
a patriot.
End quote Aaron's last NFLappearance was the 2012 AFC
(30:53):
Championship game on January 20,2013,.
Against the Baltimore Ravens2013 against the Baltimore
Ravens.
In that game, he had ninecatches for 83 yards and a
touchdown in the 28-13 loss.
In January 2013, aaron andAlexander Bradley partied at
(31:17):
Cure Again, the nightclub wherethe double murder took place At
2.20 am.
Alexander was pulled over onthe Southeast Expressway after
his vehicle was seen speeding at105 miles per hour.
According to the state police,he was wobbly drunk.
(31:37):
Aaron tried to get his friendout of trouble by saying, quote
trooper, I'm Aaron Hernandez,it's okay.
End quote.
However, alexander was stillarrested for drunk driving.
The following month, in February2013, aaron, alexander and
(31:58):
several others visited a Floridastrip club where they rang up a
$10,000 bill.
Aaron began to worry about twomen sitting across from them,
thinking they were plainclothesBoston police officers.
Alexander later recalledtelling Aaron that they were
probably tracking the pair aspart of their investigation into
(32:19):
the double murder outside Cure.
The two men had a troubledrelationship at this point.
Alexander claimed that onFebruary 13, 2013, during the
same trip, he woke up in a carwith Aaron pointing a gun at his
face.
The following day, police foundAlexander lying in a parking lot
(32:43):
and bleeding from a bullet holebetween his eyes.
Miraculously, alexandersurvived, but he lost his right
eye.
He did not cooperate with thepolice, but instead sought
revenge.
The pair would trade more than500 text messages in the next
(33:03):
three months, which includeddeath threats and attempts at
extortion.
Alexander told Aaron he hadsemi-automatic weapons,
bulletproof vests and a crewthat ran six deep.
Aaron's agent tried to settlethe matter quietly, but was
unsuccessful.
Alexander demanded five milliondollars to keep his silence and
(33:27):
Aaron countered with 1.5million.
Alexander then re-countered for2.5 million and Aaron did not
respond.
Instead, he went to see hislawyer.
(33:49):
Aaron and Cheyenne traveled toCalifornia with their young
daughter in 2013 to haveshoulder surgery.
While there, cheyenne calledthe police twice in less than a
week, claiming that Aaron wasdrunk and violent.
In the first incident, aaronput his hand through a window.
Hermosa police were dispatchedto a beach home on Linden Street
at 8.16 pm on March 25th, whenShana Jenkins indicated she and
(34:15):
Aaron were fighting and he hadcut his wrist on purpose and he
had cut his wrist on purpose.
The call was later amended toindicate Aaron had not attempted
suicide.
Instead, his wrist was cut whenhe punched a window, according
to the 911 call here.
Speaker 2 (34:32):
Take a listen 911 may help you.
Hi, I need an ambulanceimmediately.
Okay, what's the address?
What's going on?
He's losing a lot of blood.
He cut himself.
Okay, where did he cut himselfOn his wrist?
How old is he?
He's 23.
Did he do this on purpose?
Yes, both wrists or just oneOne?
(34:53):
Are you sending someone tosomeone in danger, ma'am?
I'm making up the call rightnow.
Are you sending someone to comein and change it, ma'am?
Speaker 1 (34:59):
I'm making up the call right now.
Speaker 2 (35:00):
You need to be calm.
Has he ever tried to do thisbefore?
No, no, this is his first time.
Yes, okay.
Has he ever threatened suicideor anything in the past, or no?
No, no, no, okay.
So what made him do thistonight?
Because we got into an argument.
Okay, you guys got in anargument and that's why he did
it.
Yes, okay, well, I've made upthe call.
I have police and I haveparamedics on the way, okay, do
(35:22):
you guys have something over thecut?
Do you have a pressure on it?
Yes, he has a towel.
Okay.
Is he having trouble breathingor anything like that, or
feeling lightheaded?
No, okay.
Are you his girlfriend?
Yes, his fiancee.
You, you his girlfriend?
Yes, his fiance.
You're his fiance, okay.
(35:42):
Has anybody been dreamingtonight?
Yes, do you guys both have, orjust him?
No, just him.
There's him, okay.
Has anybody been doing anydrugs?
No, okay, you don't have anyweapons or anything.
Do you?
Was it a kitchen knife you used?
No, okay, you don't have anyweapons or anything.
Do you?
Was it a kitchen knife you used?
No, no, it wasn't a kitchenknife, or yes?
(36:03):
No, no, what did he use?
He broke his arm or he cut hiswrist on the window.
Did he break a window?
Yes, okay, so he didn't.
Did he take like a piece of thewindow and cut his wrist with
it?
Or he punched the window and hedid it on accident.
He punched the window in, okay.
Well, you didn't tell me thatbefore.
Speaker 1 (36:24):
You made it seem like he cut himself.
Speaker 2 (36:27):
Okay, ma'am.
Ma'am, these are questionspolice and paramedics need to
know when they get somewhere.
Okay, all right, if youunderstand that you need to
answer the questions, okay, okay, well, I'm in a wallet and I
just can't stand the questionsyou're asking.
Okay well, I'm sorry, ma'am,but these are questions.
I'm on the phone and didn'tsomeone answer.
Ma'am, I'm sorry, but these arequestions we have to ask.
I already told you I haveparamedics and I have police on
(36:47):
the way, okay.
Speaker 1 (36:50):
Okay, but why are we still talking then?
Speaker 2 (36:55):
These are things they need to know before they get
there.
Speaker 1 (37:01):
So in the call it's kind of hard to hear Cheyanna.
She comes through very lowwhile the 911 operator comes
through very clear and loudbecause it's being recorded from
that particular phone call.
So in case you missed it,cheyenne calls and says that
(37:22):
there's a lot of blood, aaronhas cut himself, cut his wrist.
Uh, you know the dispatcher istrying to gain the information
to see what's going on.
She informs her that she hasparamedics and police in route
while she's going to continuemaking up the 911 call.
(37:43):
She then starts to ask Shannadifferent questions about what
happened, how he cut it, what heused, and then Shanna becomes
very aggressive and defensiveand at one point says I can't
handle the questions that you'reasking me.
And the dispatcher says I needto inform the police and the
(38:07):
paramedics for when they arrive.
And she said well, then I'lltell them when they get here.
Why are we still talking?
If you can't help me, then getme someone else.
She was very aggressive to meand I understand everybody
reacts differently.
It just was such a completeturnaround from the initial call
(38:32):
, where she sounded shocked andupset and scared, to aggressive
and combative shocked and upsetand scared to aggressive and
combative.
What do you guys think?
Police and fire arrived onscene and assessed the situation
.
The incident was closed out at8.31 pm, reporting that the fire
department checked out and gavethe then 23-year-old Aaron
(38:56):
Hernandez options for assistanceand that Shiana was not making
a claim of domestic violence.
She said Erin had been madabout something.
On April 2nd, officers weredispatched to the home again.
Officers were called, this timeby a neighbor who heard yelling
(39:17):
and things being thrown aroundin the house.
That incident was closed out at10.55 pm with a report that
stated the female will pack somestuff, male has left and will
come back later.
Aaron's brother and friendslater said that there were drugs
(39:37):
and guns in the home, butpolice determined that Cheyenne
and the child were not in dangerand never searched the premises
.
Dj found his brother alone onthe roof of the building one
night, looking defeated andrubbing the barrel of a gun
against his face the barrel of agun against his face.
(40:05):
On June 13, 2013, alexanderBradley filed a civil lawsuit
for damages against Aaron in aFlorida federal court.
He withdrew the suit four dayslater, allowing the two to work
out a settlement without themedia knowing.
To work out a settlementwithout the media knowing.
Four days later, on June 17,2013, the body of Odin Lloyd, a
(40:29):
semi-professional footballplayer, was found shot multiple
times in an industrial park nearNorth Attleboro, massachusetts,
sending shockwaves through thecommunity and setting off a
high-profile investigation.
And this is where we're goingto leave off.
Be sure to tune in next week aswe go over the murder of Odin
(40:50):
Lloyd, the trial and so muchmore.
As we wrap up, I want to expressa heartfelt appreciation to all
of you, the dedicated listeners, for joining me on this
gripping journey into AaronHernandez's life and crimes.
But the story of thisperplexing man is far from over.
There are still unansweredquestions, hidden motives and
(41:14):
untold secrets that demand ourattention.
Motives and untold secrets thatdemand our attention.
So, my fellow truth seekers,prepare yourselves for a highly
anticipated part two.
In the upcoming episode, we willdelve even deeper into the
complex psyche of AaronHernandez, exploring the events
that led to his downfall and theshocking revelations that will
(41:37):
leave you questioning everythingyou thought you knew.
We will uncover the web ofconnections, the untold stories
and the chilling truth that liesbeneath the surface.
Please stay tuned for part two.
Together, we will peel back thelayers of darkness surrounding
Aaron Hernandez, shedding lighton a case that captivated the
(41:58):
nation.
Remember, keep your mind open,your curiosity alive and stay
vigilant.
Thank you for tuning in.
If you enjoyed today's episode,be sure to subscribe, leave a
review and share with yourfriends.
You can find Crime Connoisseurswherever you listen to your
podcasts and follow us onInstagram at Crime Connoisseurs.
(42:22):
In the meantime, keep it classy, connoisseurs, and I'll catch
you on the next case.
Thank you, we'll see you nexttime.
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