Massachusetts judge has imposed a gag order in the Aaron Hernandez murder case aimed at protecting the former New England Patriots tight end right to a fair trial and preventing prosecutors from talking about new developments.
According to ESPN, though judge Susan Garsh fell short of accusing prosecutors of any ethical violations she apparently fell the need to impose her new guidelines. Attorneys for Hernandez have long accused the state of allowing leaks and prejudicial out-of-court statements to flow to the media.
ESPN adds they further claimed the prosecution orchestrated a "publicity stunt" last year when Miami Dolphins lineman and former Florida teammate Mike Pouncey was served with a subpoena after a game at Gillette Stadium. Prosecutors have always denied the charges.
Hernandez has pleaded not guilty to last summer's execution style murder of semi-professional football player and one-time associate Odin Lloyd. Prosecutors have speculated Hernandez may have killed Lloyd because he had knowledge about various other violent crimes investigators have alleged he may have been involved with.
Entered Thursday, ESPN reports Garsh's order requires demands both sides take "reasonable precautions" against prejudicial disclosures and mandates prosecutors must investigate any reports of leaks.
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