BOSTON — Lawyers for former NFL star Aaron Hernandez have begun presenting their defense in his double murder trial.
After prosecutors rested their case Monday, Hernandez's lawyer called their first witness, a fan who had his photo taken with Hernandez the night prosecutors say Hernandez fatally shot two men.
Antoine Salvador said he spent about seven to 10 minutes talking with Hernandez at a Boston nightclub.
Salvador said he never saw a drink spilled on Hernandez. Prosecutors have said Hernandez killed two men because he felt disrespected after one of them spilled Hernandez's drink. Hernandez's lawyers have claimed that a friend who was with Hernandez at the time shot the men in a drug dispute.
Salvador said Hernandez didn't seem angry when he later saw him outside.
The defense also called a street sweeper working the night of the double murder. Warren McMaster, who previously testified without the jury present, accidentally drove through the crime scene that night. He was ordered to dump the contents for police to examine, but the prosecution admitted earlier in the trial to never looking through the trash.
McMaster told the jury that he believes police treated him rudely and that he was afraid. McMaster said officers told him to "shut your [expletive] mouth."
McMaster also described seeing what appeared to be a woman hanging out of an SUV the night of the double murder. McMaster said the woman appeared to be holding a recording device.
Monday, March 6: " Defense in Hernandez double murder trial claims new evidence"
Friday, March 10: "Defense calls for mistrial in Aaron Hernandez double murder trial"
Monday, March 13: "Impending nor'easter forces brief delay in Hernandez trial"
NO COURT TUESDAY, MARCH 14
Friday, March 17: "Jury hears from tattoo artist, sees photos from Hernandez's phone"
NO COURT FRIDAY, MARCH 24
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