Hernandez Charged With Murder [VIDEO]

UPDATED 4:00
ATTLEBORO, Mass. (AP) — Police have charged Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez with murder and weapons counts in connection with the slaying of a semi-pro football player whose body was found in an industrial park about a mile from Hernandez's home.

The charge was revealed Wednesday in Attleboro District Court after Hernandez was arrested at his sprawling North Attleborough home. Less than two hours after his arrest, the Patriots cut Hernandez from the team.

The investigation started more than a week ago after semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd was found slain in an industrial park in North Attleborough, on the Rhode Island line not far from where the Patriots play.

Lloyd's family says he and Hernandez were friends and that Lloyd's girlfriend and Hernandez's fiancee are sisters.

Updated 9:00am

New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez has been taken into custody.

Hernandez was taken from his home in handcuffs at 8:45 this morning and transported to the North Attleboro police station.

He is being investigated in connection with the shooting death of Odin Lloyd just over a week ago.

Police have not stated yet what he is being charged with or when he'll be arraigned.

Updated 10:45am

Two hours after the Hernandez arrest the New England Patriots announced his release with the following press release.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots have announced the release of tight end Aaron Hernandez following his arrest in the investigation of a homicide last week in North Attleboro, Mass.
“A young man was murdered last week and we extend our sympathies to the family and friends who mourn his loss. Words cannot express the
disappointment we feel knowing that one of our players was arrested as a result of this investigation. We realize that law enforcement investigations into this matter are ongoing. We support
their efforts and respect the process. At this time, we believe this transaction is simply the right thing to do.”