Aaron Hernandez Appears in Court with New Legal Team

Image Credit: WHDH, 7-News

PLYMOUTH, MA — Former New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez and his new legal team for his second murder trial were in a courtroom together for the first time Thursday.

Attorney Jose Baez, who is best known for defending Casey Anthony, now leads the Hernandez legal team, which includes local attorney Ronald Sullivan. Anthony was accused and found not guilty of murdering her 2-year-old daughter.

Hernandez is accused of murdering Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado in Boston’s South End in 2012, and a non-fatal shooting that took place seven months later. Baez said he is still in the process of becoming familiar with the case, but is aware of the generalities.

Baez was in court to request the transfer of a cell phone from Hernandez’ old legal team to his. Judge Jeffrey Locke granted the transfer under the condition that the phone remains in the state and the data is not altered. Sullivan said the phone would remain in his office.

Prosecutors for the state opposed the motion on the grounds that the issue is in front of the state’s Supreme Judicial Court.

In addition to the cell phone ruling, Locke set Aug. 15 as the date that the trial date will be determined. Locke said he would like to see the trial start in the fall, but Baez said he preferred the spring so he can have more time to become familiar with the case.

Hernandez is currently serving a life sentence for the 2013 murder of Odin Lloyd.