Episode 636: Aaron Hernandez Part III - Fourth & Forever | Last Podcast On The Left Brief

Key Takeaways

Aaron Hernandez's volatile behavior led to the murder of Odin Lloyd on June 14, 2013.
Hernandez's subsequent arrest and conviction for Odin Lloyd's murder were supported by extensive evidence, despite his defense's arguments.
Hernandez maintained a strategic mindset in prison, reportedly adapting to life there while also exhibiting disruptive behavior.
A second double murder trial saw Hernandez acquitted of murder charges but convicted of firearm possession.
Aaron Hernandez died by suicide in prison on April 19, 2017, amidst speculation about his sexuality and the legal implications of his death.
The episode explores potential links between CTE, toxic masculinity, and other instances of violence among Bristol Central High School football players.
The hosts express disillusionment with modern NFL commercialism and politics, contrasting it with personal childhood experiences.
The podcast announces a new series, "Mount Rushmore of Evil," and upcoming live shows.

Aaron Hernandez was involved in serious crimes, including an attempt on Alexander Bradley's life in Florida, where Bradley survived a gunshot but lost an eye.
Hernandez's mental state was affected by stage three CTE, a severe condition for his age, alongside constant marijuana use.
His paranoia led him to install extensive security cameras and purchase numerous weapons, including an armored car, while escalating drug use was noted even within the Patriots' locker room.
Hernandez had a history of avoiding consequences for his actions since high school.

Odin Lloyd, described as a good and calm man, was Hernandez's future brother-in-law and became increasingly dependent on Hernandez.
On June 14, 2013, Lloyd was murdered after a night of partying and a verbal altercation outside a Boston club, highlighting Hernandez's volatile nature.
Hernandez exhibited paranoia, potentially fueled by drugs, alcohol, and ADHD, leading him to misinterpret new people as threats.
Lloyd's body was discovered on June 18th in an industrial park, less than a mile from Hernandez's home, shot six times with Hernandez's rental car keys in his pocket.

Following Lloyd's death, his sister Shanea was instructed by Hernandez to dispose of a "black box," likely containing the murder weapon.
A rental car clerk's detailed recollection of blue cotton candy gum and bullet casings in a returned Nissan Altima provided crucial evidence during police surveillance.
Hernandez invoked his right to an attorney and ended questioning after police inquired about Odin Lloyd's death, leading to a search warrant for his home.
Carlos Ortiz, an associate, implicated Hernandez after failing a polygraph, leading to Hernandez's arrest and charge with first-degree murder of Odin Lloyd on charges denied bail.

The New England Patriots fired Hernandez and initiated a jersey buyback program; Puma, Muscle Milk, Bristol Central High School, and the University of Florida removed his references.
Hernandez was most upset about the removal of awards from his high school, important due to his father's legacy.
Confined to solitary, Hernandez maintained a rigorous workout regimen and expressed a desire to return to the NFL.
The Odin Lloyd murder trial commenced in January 2015, resulting in a guilty verdict on April 15th, leading to a life sentence for Hernandez.

Surveillance footage showed Hernandez with a Glock handgun, the murder weapon, shortly after the crime; he also destroyed his cell phone the day after the murder.
Despite phone destruction, 2,000 pages of cell phone records revealed Hernandez's incriminating communications, including "you can't trust anyone anymore."
Patriots owner Robert Kraft recanted his alibi testimony, which was considered damning given existing security footage of Hernandez at home.
The defense argued circumstantial evidence and celebrity targeting, presenting only three witnesses after the prosecution called 132.

After conviction, Hernandez displayed disruptive behavior, including an assault and defying guards over a 'MOB' note.
He reportedly adopted a gangster persona, gained popularity among inmates, and was nicknamed 'The Professor' for doing taxes.
Hernandez's prison infractions included fights and K2 use, a synthetic marijuana that provides euphoria but can cause paranoia and hallucinations.
He befriended Kyle Kennedy, an inmate incarcerated for robbing a gas station for $189, with guards facilitating their association.

The double murder trial of Aaron Hernandez began on March 1, 2017, with defense attorney Jose Baez.
The prosecution relied heavily on witness Alexander Bradley, an admitted drug dealer with a history of violence, who testified in exchange for a reduced 5-year sentence.
Baez's defense aimed to instill doubt by questioning common sense and suggesting Bradley committed the murders over a drug deal gone wrong.
The jury acquitted Hernandez of murder charges on April 14th but convicted him of unlawful firearm possession, adding 4 to 5 years to his sentence.

Investigative journalist Michelle McPhee suggested on April 17th that Odin Lloyd caught Hernandez in a compromising situation, hinting at a motive related to his private life.
On April 19, 2017, Aaron Hernandez died by suicide in prison, leaving notes and marking 'John 3:16' on his forehead and cell wall.
Motives for his suicide were speculated to include sexuality, depression, CTE, and the Massachusetts legal concept of 'abatement' that could nullify his conviction.
His attorneys filed a motion to vacate the Odin Lloyd conviction, initially granted but later reversed by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in 2018.

Additional murders were allegedly committed by members of Hernandez's high school football team from Bristol, Connecticut.
In 2014, former teammate Alex Ring committed a murder-suicide, killing his wife and himself after she filed for divorce.
In 2022, another former player, Nick Brutcher, killed two police officers and wounded a third, along with his brother, during a fabricated 911 call before being killed by a surviving officer.
Hernandez's brother, DJ, also exhibited problematic behavior, including throwing a brick at ESPN and reportedly scoping out UConn for a possible spree shooting.