It appears that the already high profile trial of Aaron Hernandez will be getting even more attention. The former Patriots tight end is being tried for the murder of Odin Lloyd and as the lengthy courtroom proceedings begin wrapping up and the jury deliberates, a shocking piece might significantly delay the trial or even cause a mistrial.
Liam Martin, a reporter for WCVB-TV in Boston who has been covering the trial, helped in breaking a story on the possible harassment of jurors by news station WHDH. As pointed out by Martin in the second tweet below, harassment of jurors is a felony.
Garsh: “Extremely serious” violation. Could have resulted in mistrial. She’s considering banning the organization from courthouse. #WCVB
— Liam Martin (@LiamWCVB) April 9, 2015
It’s a felony to “harass” jurors in an active trial. This is how state defines “harass.” #WCVB #Hernandez pic.twitter.com/yBwRk2KG5z — Liam Martin (@LiamWCVB) April 9, 2015
Here’s what happened: Two jurors claim news vehicle followed the jury bus; stopped; turned around; watched them as they left. #WCVB
— Liam Martin (@LiamWCVB) April 9, 2015
The two jurors who felt harassed by a news outlet are being brought before the judge, attorneys and #AaronHernandez at sidebar. #WCVB — Liam Martin (@LiamWCVB) April 9, 2015
Garsh is addressing WHDH right now in Courtroom 7 on allegation of harassment of jurors. #WCVB #AaronHernandez #HernandezTrial
— Liam Martin (@LiamWCVB) April 9, 2015
Judge Garsh is inclined *not* to bar WHDH from the courtroom but wants the photographer to testify under oath at 12:15 or face ban. #WCVB — Liam Martin (@LiamWCVB) April 9, 2015
Judge Garsh bans that photographer from the courthouse for the length of #HernandezTrial. #WCVB #AaronHernandez
— Liam Martin (@LiamWCVB) April 9, 2015
Garsh: Either someone from the news organization gives her an answer by 12:15, or they’re banned from the courthouse. #WCVB #AaronHernandez — Liam Martin (@LiamWCVB) April 9, 2015
Garsh: Either someone from the news organization gives her an answer by 12:15, or they’re banned from the courthouse. #WCVB #AaronHernandez
— Liam Martin (@LiamWCVB) April 9, 2015
@OliverCatIII The photographers drive the vehicles
— Liam Martin (@LiamWCVB) April 9, 2015
For those wondering: Yes, the jury continues to deliberate while this harassment issue is sorted out. They’re at 11.5 hours now. #WCVB
— Liam Martin (@LiamWCVB) April 9, 2015
Mistrial would have occurred only if four jurors reacted so strongly that they had to be dismissed (would have left only 11 jurors). #WCVB
— Liam Martin (@LiamWCVB) April 9, 2015
WHDH responds: We did not approach the jurors. We did not speak to any jurors. We did not take pictures. #WCVB #AaronHernandez
— Liam Martin (@LiamWCVB) April 9, 2015
Attorney for WHDH is en route to Fall River Justice Center to address Judge Garsh about allegation of jury harassment. #WCVB #AaronHernandez
— Liam Martin (@LiamWCVB) April 9, 2015
Photo Courtesy: Liam Martin/WCVB
