With Rob Gronkowski having undergone back surgery on Tuesday, the last thing the New England Patriots need is to lose fellow tight end Aaron Hernandez. That is why Pats fans will likely hold their collective breath when they hear that Hernandez is reportedly being questioned by police in connection with a homicide that may have taken place near his home.
Two police officers were parked outside Hernandez’s home in North Attleboro, Mass. for most of the day on Tuesday. According to The Sun Chronicle of Attleboro, via SI.com, a vehicle rented in Hernandez’s name has emerged as a key piece of evidence in the case. Police are interested in questioning the 23-year-old tight end and may ask to search his home.
On Monday, a jogger found the body of a 27-year-old Boston man in a clearing in North Attleboro less than a mile from Hernandez’s home. Police have reportedly identified a 2013 Chevy Suburban rental car with Rhode Island license plates that is tied to Hernandez’s name and possibly connected to the murder. Investigators are reportedly hoping to analyze the Enterpise rental for fingerprints.
A Sports Illustrated source confirmed that Hernandez has spoken to authorities in connection with the case, but specified that he is not believed to be a murder suspect.
While little is known about the case and there is absolutely no reason to speculate that Hernandez is guilty of anything, it’s always concerning to hear that a player’s name is tied with a murder investigation. If nothing else, having his name involved with a situation like this could present a distraction for Hernandez and the Patriots.
UPDATE (8:34 p.m.): ABC News has reported that police have indeed conducted a search of Hernandez’s home, though two sources say he was being “uncooperative” with police since the body of the 27-year-old man was found. Two of Hernandez’s friends also reportedly tried to leave his house at the time of the search but were stopped by police at the end of the driveway.
Hernandez is still not considered to be a suspect in the potential murder, but it’s never good to hear the word “uncooperative” when dealing with a homicide investigation.
See all the LBS coverage of the Aaron Hernandez murder case
