(Photo Credit: John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe)
The family of Aaron Hernandez can now grieve peacefully.
After being convicted for the murder of Odin Lloyd, a Massachusetts judge has officially dismissed the conviction following his death as it was in the middle of an appeal.
According to TMZ:
Prosecutors say Hernandez knew if his conviction was erased the Patriots would have to pay out the remainder of his NFL contract … estimated to be worth around $6 million.
Prosecutors claimed he shouldn’t be rewarded for cutting his own appeal short by committing suicide — but ultimately the judge didn’t see it their way … and cleared the conviction.
Odin Lloyd’s family was in the courtroom when the judge announced her decision. They were visibly upset and left the courtroom in a rush.
Hernandez reportedly committed suicide April 19 after hanging himself in his jail cell. He is reportedly owed $6 million on his contract from the New England Patriots which could go to his family.
The Bristol County District Attorney is planning to appeal the decision.