FALL RIVER, Mass. — Another juror has been dismissed in the murder trial of former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez. Superior Court Judge Susan Garsh said Wednesday she had dismissed a juror for personal reasons that have nothing to do with the case.
That’s the same explanation she gave to jurors last week when she dismissed another juror. The judge said that juror had discussed evidence in the case.
Garsh did not give more details Wednesday. She ended the session for the day after about two hours, citing scheduling issues.
The panel is now made up of 16 jurors. Twelve will ultimately decide Hernandez’s fate. Alternates will be selected randomly immediately before deliberations.
On Tuesday, Judge Garsh agreed to prosecutors’ request for immunity for Shayanna Jenkins, Hernandez’s fiance. Jenkins will now be compelled to testify or face time behind bars. It’s not clear when or if she will be called.
The trial has been delayed by snow for the past two days and has lost five days total because of snow. It was earlier estimated the trial would take six to 10 weeks.
Hernandez is accused of the June 2013 killing of Odin Lloyd, who was dating his fiance’s sister.
Wednesday, defense attorneys continued to poke holes in the job police did at the crime scene.
A Massachusetts state trooper, who video recorded the crime scene, was first to take the stand.
Trooper Michael Lombard testified that he documented a tire track and several shoe prints near Odin Lloyd’s body.
On cross examination, Attorney James Sultan questioned Lombard about how inclusive his video recording was.
“Are you telling this jury there were no other shoe prints in that area, that night, Trooper Lombard?” Sultan asked. “No, there were other ones,” Lombard responded. Sultan continued, “But you didn’t film any of those, right?” Lombard’s answer, “That’s correct.”
Testimony will continue again on Friday.
