Hernadez trial day 3: Juror dismissed, testimony continues
By: Melissa Randall
One of the jurors in the Aaron Hernandez murder trail was unexpectedly dismissed Tuesday. The judge in the case says the woman previously spoke of the case and had even expressed interest in being on the jury.
The decision was made after hours of sidebars and closed door interviews. The jury, in its third day of trial in Fall River Superior Court, is now down to 17 members, including alternates. It was juror 96 who was excused.
During the proceedings Shaneah Jenkins, girlfriend of Odin Lloyd, gave emotional testimony about the phone call she got from police the night Hernandez allegedly killed her boyfriend. Jenkins also described what the former New England Patriot allegedly said to her after learning the news.
“He put his hand on my shoulder, kind of rubbed my shoulder and told me he’d been through this death thing before. That it will get better with time,” she said.
She also answered questions about how her sister, Hernandez’s girlfriend, was acting. “Not normal,” she responded. “Secrative.”
Jenkins was also asked about the layout of Hernadez’s North Attleboro home, specifically cameras, as well as how much time Lloyd spent there.
Earlier in the day a juror issue was brought up. Judge Susan Garsh says the woman lied on her questionaire about how many Patriots games she attended and previously spoke of the details in the case, specifically how without a weapon it would be hard to convict Hernadez. The murder weapon still has not been located. But there was more.
“Over the last few years the juror has expressed signifcant interest in serving on this particular jury,” said Garsh.
Fall River criminal defense attorny Frank Camera says a juror being dismissed from a case is not uncommon.
“I think other than timing its not going to impact it at all. I mean if I’m the prosecution i’m pleased that this juror is now excused and if im the defense i want more jurors to question whether or not there is enough evidence,” he said.
Hernandez has pleaded not guilty to the 2013 slaying of Lloyd.
Tuesdays proceedings were the first since Hernandez’s former team won the Superbowl. Judge Garsh had allowed jurors to watch the game, but told them they would have to leave if Hernadnez was brought up. When she asked if they had followed the rules the remaining jurors agreed that they had.
The trial was postponed Monday because of the snow.
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