Former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was arrested and charged with the first degree murder of Odin Lloyd today.
The difference between first degree murder and other types of murder, such as second degree murder or voluntary manslaughter (sometimes referred to as third degree murder), is that first degree murder is willful and premeditated. The penalty for being found guilty of first degree murder in Massachusetts is a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Hernandez, whose involvement in the investigation has been ongoing for over a week now, was also charged with carrying a firearm without a license, and two counts each of possession of a large capacity firearm and possession of a firearm without a valid ID card.
Hernandez was arrested this morning at his home, and not long after, was released by the Patriots. He was arraigned this afternoon, and he’s being held without bail.
According to NFL Network, the Patriots had decided to release Hernandez if he was arrested in connection with the investigation, no matter what the charges were, and that they had no prior knowledge of the charges.