County Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson refuses to allow Aaron Hernandez and fiancée Shayana Jenkins in the Bristol County Jail, USA Today reports.
"I don't subscribe to that. I feel that those rights are things that you access on the outside, if you're a good citizen," Hodgson said, referring to the couple's possible marriage. "We'll do everything we can to not have that happen."
According to multiples reports, Jenkins had been cooperating with police officials in the investigation until she received a phone call from Hernandez telling her to keep quiet.
Under Massachusetts law, Jenkins would not have to testify against Hernandez if they were married. The couple has reportedly been dating since high school, and have one child together.
Hernandez was arrested and charged with murder in the first degree of Odin Lloyd. The former New England Patriot is currently being held without bond since June 26.
USA Today reports Hernandez received a mental health evaluation and a physical when he was booked into the facility. Hernandez also spent five days in the medical unit, where he reportedly had his tattoos examined. Officials wanted to check if he had any gang affiliations; Hernandez denied that he had such connections.
Hernandez has not been allowed to interact with his fellow inmates, but they are aware that ex-Patriot is in the facilities. Hernandez's housing unit will be determined according to the way his fellow inmates react to his presence.
"We want to avoid any problems at all cost. Sometimes inside of prison, even if there is someone in the community is popular - don't have a reputation around sports or anything, but is just well known - someone could say they were going to try to raise their own stature within the prison by giving this guy a hard time or doing something," Hodgson to USA Today. "We're very careful. It's my charge to make sure all the inmates in our custody are cared for and they are safe and their rights are protected."
