Authorities searched the Massachusetts home of New England Patriot tight end Aaron Hernandez in connection to a homicide, according to ABC News. Law enforcement said the victim was an “associate” of Hernandez.
Prosecutors, along with Massachusetts State Police, were in Hernandez’s 5,600-square foot home in North Attleborugh, Mass. for hours.
Two sources in law enforcement said Hernandez was not compliant with police at first. The body was discovered in an industrial park near Hernandez’s home
The police were led to the Patriot tight-end after they found a vehicle with Rhode Island plates close to the scene of the crime, according to sources.
When authorities arrived at Hernandez’s house his two friends tried to leave, but were stopped by police. Law enforcement then searched the car the two gentlemen tried to leave in.
At the time of the search, a deliveryman came to the house carrying a package for Hernandez from the law offices of Ropes and Gray. The deliveryman told inquisitive reporters that the package was for “Mr. Hernandez himself.”
According to Sam Sutter, the district attorney for Bristol County, the body of the 27-year old was found around 5:30 p.m.
Due to the “nature and circumstances” of the body the Massachusetts State Police are going to take over the case, said Sutter.
Some neighbors came out to see what all the commotion was about, worrying about the situation in their neighborhood.
"I think the kids around here, especially, look up to the Patriots players," said 43-year old Jill Cambridge dressed in a Patriots jersey. "I just hope he's not involved in this."
"There is a lot of action around here because of the Patriots,'' said neighbor Susan Meyer who was standing outside with her 14-year old daughter Rachel. Susan added Hernandez was a nice person.
Rachel added Hernandez and other Patriots participated in Halloween by scaring the kids in a haunted house the players put together.
She also seemed to be more worried about Hernandez maintaining his roster spot.
“We need the Patriots to win,” Rachel said.
The neighborhood is not new to having a Patriot resident. Hernandez purchased the house from former Patriot Ty Warren.
New England Patriot official Stacey James issued a statement on the team’s behalf:
"I am aware of the reports, but I do not anticipate that we will be commenting publicly during an ongoing police investigation."
