Hernandez jurors speak after deliberating 36 hours

April 15, 2015 7:03 pm

By Dana Griffin

@DanaGriffinABC6

FALL RIVER, MA- Jurors in the Aaron Hernandez murder trial say it was the most emotional day of the trial.

They’ve all agreed to keep some details of their deliberations private, but they did give a little insight on why convicting Aaron Hernandez of first-degree murder was the right choice.

“Every single one of us took this fully, all–on and made sure that we came to the best conclusion that we can come to,” said foreperson, Lisa Strachan.

The twelve deliberating jurors and three alternates stood before the media after convicting Aaron Hernandez of first-degree murder and two weapons charges. Many say they didn’t know much about Hernandez before this trial began, but six admitted that they are Patriots fans.

Strachan said, “We do hope this will help you find peace and bring you some closure.”

Addressing Odin Lloyd’s family, Strachan said they did the right thing.

They used the word ‘fairness’ to describe why it took so long to come to a verdict.

The defense’s alleged use of PCP did not play a role in their decision and jurors believe Hernandez was holding a gun in his home surveillance video. Although this case was purely circumstantial, jurors were able to connect the dots.

“Going by the law we didn’t need the murder weapon,” said juror, Jennifer Rogers.

They held back emotion in the courtroom, but admitted there were tears inside the deliberation room. Jurors couldn’t agree that shooting Odin Lloyd was premeditated, however they all agreed that there was evidence of extreme atrocity or cruelty.

Jurors say they will not seek any monetary gain from this experience.

They were finally informed by the judge that Hernandez also faces charges in a 2012 Boston double murder, that he allegedly shot Alexander Bradley in the face, and what those text messages said that Lloyd sent to his sister as he was driven to the murder scene.