When police showed up at the home of Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez on Saturday, one possibility became that the authorities were executing the reported “paper” warrant for his arrest on obstruction of justice charges. It quickly became obvious that there were too many cops for something that simple.
As explained by the Boston Herald, the authorities engaged in a multi-hour search of the Hernandez property, scouring the house, cars, and even a “playhouse” (which some reporters described as a doghouse) on the lawn.
The search included multiple K-9 units and a locksmith. Per the Herald, police left with what appeared to be multiple evidence bags. FOX 25 in Boston described them as large brown bags, pegging the amount at “several.”
More than a dozen state police officers were on the Hernandez property for roughly four total hours.
The search arises from the murder of 27-year-old Odin Lloyd. Video evidence reportedly shows Lloyd and Hernandez together last Sunday night/Monday morning. On Monday afternoon, Lloyd’s body was found in an industrial park close to the Hernandez home.
Police reportedly believe Hernandez destroyed his cell phone and his surveillance system, which has led to reports he’ll be charged at a minimum with obstructing justice in a murder probe.
The NFL and the Patriots have remained quiet on the matter. Hernandez went to the team facility on Thursday, but he was asked to leave, reportedly due to concerns that his presence would spark a “media stakeout” at Patriots headquarters.