BOSTON — Several news organizations called Friday for the release of more documents related to the murder investigation involving former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez.
The organizations, including The Associated Press, filed motions in district court in Massachusetts seeking access to two arrest warrants and other search warrants and materials they say remain impounded. Their attorneys call the public's interest in the documents "unmistakable and unabated."
Earlier this month, Judge Daniel O'Shea ordered the release of documents related to the case — which he had initially impounded — after media organizations sought access to them. Prosecutors and Hernandez's attorneys had wanted to keep the documents sealed. Hernandez lawyer James Sultan argued their release could prevent his client from getting a fair trial.
Hernandez has pleaded not guilty to murder in the shooting death of Odin Lloyd, a Boston semi-professional football player. Hernandez's legal team says the case against him is circumstantial and that he wants to clear his name. He is being held at a county jail.
Two other men are being held on lesser charges related to the case. Ernest Wallace is facing a charge of accessory to murder after the fact; Carlos Ortiz is facing a gun charge. Both have had not guilty pleas entered on their behalf.
A hearing on the motions to unseal the documents is scheduled for Wednesday.
