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 But the former New England Patriots tight end, who was dropped by
the team in June 2013, hours after he was arrested and charged with
shooting and killing semi-professional football player Odin Lloyd,
will be moved back to a Bristol County jail when his trial begins,
Associate Justice Susan Garsh said at a hearing in Fall River
District Court.
Prosecutors raised no objection to moving Hernandez from the Bristol
jail, which is about 50 miles (80 km) south of Boston.
The trial may not begin until January, Garsh said, noting the
defense may need that much time to prepare.
Hernandez's lawyers agreed they may need more time, saying they
planned to file a series of motions before trial.
"It is quite possible that we are going to petition for change of
venue," defense lawyer James Sultan said in court. "There's
certainly more in the pipeline."
Hernandez has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Lloyd, whose body
was found in an industrial park near Hernandez' North Attleborough,
Massachusetts, home, as well as to the 2012 fatal shootings of
Daniel Abreu and Safiro Furtado outside a Boston nightclub.
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The trial on the 2012 shootings is due to be held in Boston.
Hernandez, dressed in a dark suit and pink tie, and uncuffed in
court, turned to smile at his brother D.J. Hernandez as he was
seated in the courtroom.
Hernandez's lawyers are also asking Garsh to toss out the Lloyd
case, arguing the prosecution does not have enough evidence to
substantiate the murder charge.
(Editing by Scott Malone and Peter Cooney)
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