Aaron Hernandez Charged With Murder

Aaron Hernandez

Former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was arrested on Wednesday, and charged with murder, as well as five gun-related charges, in the shooting death of a former acquaintance.

The 2010 fourth round draft selection of the Patriots has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Hernandez was arrested at his North Attleborough, Massachusetts home on Wednesday morning, after more than a week of police questioning, in connection with the shooting, prior to his arrest.

Just a couple of hours after being taken into custody on Wednesday morning, Hernandez was released by the Patriots.

Hernandez is charged with the murder of 27-year-old Odin Lloyd, a semi-professional football player whom Hernandez knew. Lloyd was found dead of a gunshot wound, near the home of Hernandez, which was searched by authorities for more than three hours over the weekend.

Prior to that search, Hernandez allegedly destroyed his home security system last week, as well as his cell phone, before cooperating with the police investigation.

The Bristol County District Attorney's office released a statement officially announcing Hernandez's arrest, although charges were not disclosed at that time.

The 23-year old Hernandez, a three-year veteran, who played his college football at the University of Florida, has 175 career receptions, for 1,956 yards, and 18 touchdowns, prior to his release by the Patriots.

Last year, Hernandez caught 51 passes, for 483 yards, and five touchdowns.