Odin Lloyd’s mom speaks out, forgives Hernandez

April 15, 2015 2:33 pm

By: Melissa Randall
mrandall@abc6.com
@MRandallABC6

Nearly two years after the murder the family of Odin Lloyd finally got justice Wednesday. His loved ones letting out a sigh of relief the moment the verdict was read. Aaron Hernandez, a former New England Patriot, was found guilty on all 3 counts including murder in the first degree.

Lloyd’s family is as strong as they come. They were in the courtroom every single day of the trial no matter how painful the testimony may have been. On Monday they stood together and spoke out their loved one.

“Odin was the most precious gift in my life. I’m going to miss his smile. From across the street I would see his pink gums coming towards me,” said Ursula Ward, Odin’s mother.

Ward shared memories of her son with reporters outside the Fall River Justice Center. She and daughter Olivia addressed members of the media from around the country shortly after Hernandez was convicted in the 2013 killing.

“It was a sigh of relief. I screamed. I cried,” said Olivia Thibou, Odin’s sister. “The first person that called me was my sister, Shiquilla, and the first thing she said in tears was I love you. That was the best feeling we’ve had in a long time.”

Throughout the 2 ½ month long trial Ward was a pillar of strength, but she couldn’t hold it in any longer. At one point Ward became overwhelmed. Tears rolled down her face.

“He was my strength. I love him dearly!” she cried out.

During her victim impact statement in open court Lloyd’s mother did something unexpected. She offered forgiveness to Hernandez.

“I forgive the hands of the people that had a hand in my son’s murder either before or after, and I pray and hope that some day everyone out there will forgive them also,” she said.

It’s been nearly two years since the murder. Lloyd’s sister says she misses her big brother every day.

“I don’t think that we will ever come to grips with the fact that he’s not here,” said Thibou.
Shaneah Jenkins, Lloyd’s girlfriend, sat with his family throughout the trial. On Wednesday she stood tall with his mother, sister, aunts and uncle. Shaneah is the estranged sister of Hernandez’s fiancée. She remains extremely close to all of them.