Aaron Hernandez Doesn't Mind Lawyer 'Conflict'
Prosecutor's wife works for his defense team's law firm.
BOSTON Oct. 9, 2013— -- Former Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez shuffled to the witness stand with shackles around his ankles today, raised his tattooed right hand to be sworn in and be questioned about a possible conflict of interest among lawyers on the case.
The Bristol County prosecutor in the Hernandez case is Patrick Bomberg. Bomberg's wife works at the law firm that is defending Hernandez. One of Hernandez's defense attorneys is Michael Fee.
"Do you want to continue to be represented by Mr. Fee?" Bristol County Superior Court Judge Susan Garsh asked Hernandez.
"Yes, your honor,'' Hernandez answered.
Before answering the judge's questions about his, Hernandez -- dressed in a neat black blazer, blue tie and khaki pants -- answered a few other questions for the judge, including some to identify himself.
When asked his profession, the former all-star quietly told the judge, "I played football…NFL."
Hernandez will keep his lawyer, but Bristol County prosecutors want the judge removed from the case, and filed a memorandum outlining its intent to ask Garsh to recuse herself.
Bristol County assistant district attorney William McCauley – who has clashed with Garsh on other cases – argued that she had been "antagonistic" toward the government on a 2010 murder case.
Garsh did not rule on the expected motion but said she will hold a separate hearing on the recusal request on Oct. 21.
Hernandez was arrested June 26 on first degree murder charges.
A total of six people – including the mother of Hernandez's toddler daughter, his fiance Shayana Jenkins – have been charged in connection with Lloyd's murder either as an accessory after the fact or for lying to investigators.