Aaron Hernandez takes stand in pretrial hearing
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| (BRIAN SNYDER/REUTERS) |
Wearing a suit and tie and speaking in a quiet tone, Hernandez responded to the judges questions about his mental state, his understanding of proceedings and about a potential conflict of interest involving one of his attorneys.
Judge Susan Garsh asked Hernandez about the possible conflict – one of Hernandez's lawyers works in the same law firm as the wife of one of the prosecutors.
Hernandez said he was aware of the link and did not have a problem with it.
The judge also asked him a series of questions, including what kind of work he did. As a number of supporters in Patriots t-shirts and Hernandez's old "81" jersey looked on, he said, “I played football – NFL.”
Also during the hearing, prosecutors said they want the judge to recuse herself from the case.
Assistant District Attorney William McCauley says he plans to file a motion to ask Judge Garsh to give up the case. He hasn't explained why and Hernandez's lawyers said they'll object to a recusal.
Hernandez was indicted in August in the shooting death of 27-year-old acquaintance Odin Lloyd. He pleaded not guilty to murder and five weapons-related charges in the case last month.
Four others, including Hernandez's girlfriend and cousin are facing charges in the case.
Hernandez is being held without bail.
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