In the annals of American sports history, few stories are as compelling and tragic as that of Aaron Hernandez, a superstar athlete whose life spiraled into chaos. This article delves into the life of Aaron Hernandez, answering ‘What Did Aaron Hernandez Do? exploring gay rumors, drive-by shootings, triple murders, and football superstardom.
Table of Contents
Dynasty of Football Stars: Aaron Hernandez, Brother, & Father
Born in Bristol, Connecticut, on November 6, 1989, Aaron Hernandez and his brother D.J. were raised in a turbulent household by their parents, Dennis and Terri Hernandez. Dennis, a strict, first-generation Puerto Rican with a history of alcoholism, was also an abusive and volatile presence who demanded excellence from his sons.
Both Aaron and D.J. showed exceptional athletic promise from a young age, particularly in football. Excelling also in track and field and basketball, Aaron became a high school sports sensation. His father envisioned him continuing the family legacy at the University of Connecticut.
However, Dennis’s unexpected death in 2006, when Aaron was just 16, deeply impacted the young athlete. This loss was compounded by his mother’s affair with and eventual cohabitation with Jeff Cummings, the husband of Aaron’s cousin, Tanya Singleton. Feeling betrayed, Aaron moved in with Tanya, who became a surrogate mother. This new environment, however, introduced him to negative influences. While Aaron’s on-field performance remained stellar, his personal life deteriorated as he increasingly turned to substance abuse.
Rejecting his father’s plan, Hernandez instead joined the University of Florida, becoming a star player under coach Urban Meyer and a key part of their national championship win. Yet, despite his on-field success and displays of humor and kindness, those close to him also witnessed unpredictable bursts of anger and aggression, revealing a troubled inner life.
The Early Signs of Trouble: Hernandez’s Descent into Violence
During his time at the University of Florida, a pattern of violence and a lack of accountability began to define Aaron Hernandez. In April 2007, following a dispute over a bill at the Swamp Restaurant, he allegedly assaulted a manager, rupturing his eardrum. The victim did not press charges. That September, Hernandez allegedly fired a gun at two men outside a Gainesville bar after an argument; the incident went unreported at the time. His status as a star athlete seemingly afforded him impunity, potentially emboldening his violent behavior.
Aaron Hernandez: New England Patriots Tight End Commits Double Murder
In 2010, Hernandez signed a five-year, $40 million contract extension with the New England Patriots. As he signed onto the team as the tight end, his personal life took a devastating turn. On July 16, 2012, a fatal shooting occurred in Boston’s South End, claiming the lives of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado, two immigrants from Cape Verde.
Earlier that night, both victims had been at Cure Lounge in the Theater District, the same club where Aaron Hernandez and his marijuana dealer, Alexander Bradley, were present. Reports indicated a possible altercation involving a spilled drink between Hernandez and the victims. Later, as de Abreu and Furtado were leaving in a vehicle with three others, they were fired upon from a silver SUV, according to witness testimonies.
In November 2012, he and his high school sweetheart and fiancée, Shayanna Jenkins, had a daughter, Avielle Janelle Jenkins-Hernandez. The family resided in a mansion in North Attleborough, Massachusetts. However, beneath the surface of his burgeoning career and growing family, Hernandez was plagued by internal struggles and unresolved issues that would ultimately have devastating consequences.
The Aftermath of Violence: Hernandez Shoots Alexander Bradley
Following the 2012 double homicide, Aaron Hernandez was consumed by paranoia, fearing imminent arrest. In February 2013, while at a Miami club with Alexander Bradley, Hernandez voiced suspicions about undercover officers, fears Bradley reportedly exacerbated. This tension culminated in Hernandez allegedly shooting Bradley in the face, although Bradley survived, but lost an eye. Bradley initially refused to cooperate with police, instead planning revenge. A subsequent phone call from him, threatening retribution, further fueled Hernandez’s paranoia.
Facing mounting pressure and fearing Bradley, Hernandez fortified his home with surveillance and increasingly associated with Ernest Wallace and Carlos Ortiz, acquaintances of his cousin, Tanya Singleton. He also unsuccessfully sought a trade from the New England Patriots, who instead provided him temporary lodging in a secluded apartment.
The Murder of Odin Lloyd: The Turning Point in Hernandez’s Life
On June 16, 2013, Aaron Hernandez arranged to meet Odin Lloyd, his fiancée’s sister’s boyfriend, along with Ernest Wallace and Carlos Ortiz. Early on June 17, they picked up Lloyd in a rental car. Lloyd texted his sister he was with “NFL,” likely referring to Hernandez. Within a mile of Hernandez’s home, Lloyd was fatally shot in an industrial park. Surveillance footage later showed Hernandez returning home with Wallace and Ortiz, seemingly carrying a handgun.
The day after Odin Lloyd’s murder, his body was discovered. While Ernest Wallace and Carlos Ortiz were ultimately implicated, with Wallace surrendering to police, the actual shooter remained undetermined. Hernandez’s cousin, Tanya, attempted to help both men flee, driving Wallace to Florida and purchasing him a bus ticket, and conspiring with Ortiz on plans to relocate to Puerto Rico.
A search of Singleton’s home revealed the SUV used in the 2012 double homicide of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado, leading to further murder charges against Hernandez. Despite evidence linking her to both crimes, Singleton refused to testify against Hernandez, choosing imprisonment. This decision allegedly worsened her existing cancer, ultimately leading to her death in 2015.
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The Trials: Hernandez’s Legal Battles and Convictions
During the Odin Lloyd murder trial, Hernandez proved a volatile inmate, engaging in multiple prison fights and verbally threatening his mother by phone. Despite this, he remained confident he would avoid conviction. His trial, which began on January 29, 2015, highlighted not only the murder but also a web of relationships and secrets. The defense implicated Wallace and Ortiz in Lloyd’s death.
Key evidence included a marijuana blunt with both Lloyd’s and Hernandez’s DNA found near the body, matching bullet casings recovered from the Hernandez-rented vehicle, and casts of tire tracks and footwear impressions from the scene. Additionally, surveillance footage captured Hernandez instructing his fiancée, Shayanna Jenkins, to dispose of a box, potentially containing the murder weapon, which was never recovered. After a week of deliberation, the jury found Hernandez guilty of first-degree murder and weapons charges, leading to a life sentence without parole.
Subsequently, in 2017, Hernandez faced a second trial for the 2012 double homicide of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado. Represented by attorney Jose Baez, the defense challenged the credibility of key witness Alexander Bradley, suggesting he committed the murders. On April 14, 2017, Hernandez was acquitted of those charges.
The End of the Road: Aaron Hernandez Commits Suicide
On April 19, 2017, days after his acquittal in the double homicide case and while planning to appeal his life sentence for Odin Lloyd’s murder, Aaron Hernandez died by suicide in his prison cell. His death triggered the legal doctrine of abatement ab initio, meaning his conviction could be vacated as if it never happened.
The court initially granted this motion, voiding his first-degree murder conviction. However, the Bristol County District Attorney appealed to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC), which overturned the abatement, reinstating Hernandez’s conviction. Furthermore, the SJC declared abatement ab initio outdated and abolished its future use in Massachusetts.
Aaron Hernandez’s letter, found after his death, shed light on the struggles he faced as a criminal, leaving behind many questions and a grim reminder of his life before he took his own life.
The Mystery of Aaron Hernandez’s Sexuality
Speculation about Aaron Hernandez’s sexuality arose during the double homicide trial, adding complexity to his public image. People started asking, was Aaron Hernandez gay? Media reports also questioned his sexuality, and shortly afterward, he committed suicide. Some believe these rumors contributed to his suicide.
Aaron Hernandez’s brother, D.J., wrote in his book about childhood sexual abuse that Aaron experienced, suggesting it impacted him deeply. A high school classmate, Dennis SanSoucie, claimed a long-term sexual relationship with Hernandez, stating Aaron had other male partners. SanSoucie described a shared fear of their relationship being discovered due to familial and societal homophobia, especially within the context of football.
While incarcerated, Hernandez’s cellmate, Kyle Kennedy, alleged a romantic relationship with him, describing Hernandez as extremely loyal. There were reports that Hernandez sought to project a hyper-masculine image, possibly to counter rumors about his sexuality. This included maintaining relationships with women, such as his fiancée Shayanna Jenkins, with whom he had a child, and acquiring numerous tattoos. Some suggest these actions were attempts to mask his true sexuality.
Aaron Hernandez’s Net Worth: What Happened to Aaron Hernandez’s Money and House?
At the peak of his NFL career, it is estimated that Hernandez’s net worth was around $8 million. Following his arrest and conviction, Hernandez’s financial situation deteriorated significantly. His NFL contract was terminated, and he faced legal fees and lawsuits. By the time of his death, his net worth was reportedly much lower, with estimates ranging around $50,000.
Hernandez’s North Attleborough, Massachusetts mansion was sold in 2017 for $1 million, significantly less than its initial listing price of $1.5 million. The notoriety of the case likely impacted its market value. The proceeds from the sale were initially intended to help settle wrongful death lawsuits filed by the families of Odin Lloyd and the victims of the 2012 double homicide, Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado.
Aaron Hernandez’s daughter, Avielle, has a trust fund set up by his fiancée. However, it’s unclear how much money is in the fund because of different financial claims.
A Haunting Legacy: Aaron Hernandez Funeral
Aaron Hernandez’s private funeral was held in his hometown of Bristol, Connecticut on April 24, 2017, with his family, former teammates, and a heavy police presence in attendance. Hernandez’s death reignited discussions about mental health, CTE, and societal pressures faced by athletes. His brain was later found to have severe CTE, a condition linked to impulsiveness and violence. While CTE may have played a role in Hernandez’s actions, it does not excuse his crimes.
Conclusion
Aaron Hernandez’s life was filled with fame, violence, and deep struggles. He went from a promising football star to a convicted murderer. Despite his success, Hernandez battled family trauma, violent behavior, and legal troubles. His tragic end, marked by suicide, raised questions about his sexuality and mental health. His case highlights the pressure athletes face, along with the dangers of CTE. Hernandez’s story is a reminder that fame can mask serious personal issues.
FAQS
Did Aaron Hernandez win a Super Bowl​?
No, Aaron Hernandez did not win a Super Bowl. He played in Super Bowl XLVI with the New England Patriots, but they lost to the New York Giants.
Is Alexander Bradley still alive?
Yes, Alexander Bradley is still alive. He is currently in prison. His current location within the prison system is not publicly available information.
Were Aaron Hernandez relationships a factor in his downfall?
Yes, Aaron Hernandez’s relationships played a role in his downfall. The stress and conflict surrounding his personal life, including his hidden relationships and the fear of societal judgment, are believed to have contributed to his criminal actions and eventual legal troubles.
Why did Aaron Hernández kill Odin Lloyd?
Aaron Hernandez likely killed Odin Lloyd because he feared Lloyd knew too much about his involvement in other crimes. Hernandez was paranoid and may have seen Lloyd as a threat. The murder seemed impulsive, possibly driven by fear and anger.
Where were the tattoos of Aaron Hernandez located?
The tattoos of Aaron Hernandez were spread across various parts of his body, with notable ones on his arms, neck, and chest. Each tattoo was distinct and added to his overall persona.
