Aaron Hernandez is due back in a Massachusetts court for a pre-trial hearing on Wednesday, the first time he has gone before the judge since pleading not guilty during his arraignment, according to USA Today.
Hernandez pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and five weapons-related charges last month stemming from the June 17 killing of 27-year-old semipro football player Odin Lloyd.
Lloyd's bullet-riddled body was found in an industrial park not far from the former New England Patriots tight end's home. Since being taken into custody on June 26, Hernandez has been held without bail and confined to solitary confinement.
Previously, attorneys for Hernandez agreed that he continue to be held without bail, but reserved the right to seek it for him at a later date. Prosecutors have speculated Hernandez may have been motivated to kill Lloyd over fear he knew of his alleged involvement in a number of other violent crimes and shootings.
The defense has been adamant in assuring the state will not be able to prove their case at trial. To date, four others, including Hernandez's girlfriend and cousin, have also been charged in connection with the Lloyd shooting.
The Patriots immediately severed all ties with Hernandez after he was formally charged, at one point even offering fans the chance to exchange his team store bought jerseys for those of other players.
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