Aaron Hernandez pleads not guilty on five criminal charges, including the murder of Odin Lloyd, 27, on Wednesday afternoon.
Hernandez was escorted out of his house at 8:47 a.m. Wednesday morning in handcuffs.
The Bristol County District Attorney's office charged the former NFL player include with first degree murder, possessing a firearm without a license, possessing a large capacity firearm and a firearm without an ID card.
Hernandez is being held in the state's custody without bail.
The former New England Patriot tight end was arraigned at the Attleborough District Court. Two hours after Hernandez was arrested the team announced on their official Twitter account that the player was released from the franchise.
The Patriots released the following statement:
"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 player 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."
Lloyd's body was found on June 17 in an industrial park by a night-time jogger, about a half-mile from Hernandez's home. Police ruled the death a homicide, and Lloyd's family members said Lloyd, who was shot in the head and chest, and Hernandez were friends who had been together the previous day.
According to USA Today, Hernandez is also facing a civil complaint filed this month in a U.S. District Court in South Florida by a Connecticut man. In the complaint filed by attorneys for Alexander S. Bradley, 30, the ex-Patriot is accused of shooting Bradley in the face while the two were in a vehicle early Feb. 13 partying that night at a strip club in Miami.
