FALL RIVER, Mass. -- The criminal case against ex-New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez inched forward Friday as he was arraigned on a first-degree murder charge.
Hernandez, 23, entered not guilty pleas in Superior Court to the murder count and five weapons violations. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in the Massachusetts prison system.
The only words uttered by Hernandez were six "not guilty" pleas and "Good afternoon," when Judge Frances McIntyre began the proceeding.
A bail hearing was scheduled for Oct. 9 at 2 p.m. The defense and prosecution agreed not to argue about bail today.
Charles Rankin, one of Hernandez's defense lawyers, gave a brief statement outside the courthouse.
"We are not going to try this case in the media," he said. "At the end of the day, we are confident that Aaron will be exonerated."
Hernandez is charged with the June 17th execution-style slaying of Odin L. Lloyd, 27, of Boston. His body riddled with five gun shot wounds from a .45-caliber handgun was found in an industrial pit near Hernandez $1.3 million mansion.
Several Patriot coaches and players live or have lived in the upscale Westgate Estates development. Former teammate Deion Branch, a wide receiver, lived across the street from Hernandez.
There was no discussion of bail. Hernandez will remain jailed at the Bristol County House of Correction in North Dartmouth, Mass. He has been held there without bail since his arrest on June 26.
The court appearance was his first since he appeared in Attleboro District Court last month. Hernandez had a scheduled probable cause hearing just 90 minutes after a grand jury in Fall River indicted him for the June 17 murder of Lloyd.
Several Patriot players and coaches live or have lived in the upscale development including former receiver Deion Branch.
About 10 minutes before the arraignment, Judge McIntyre emerged from her chambers and welcomed the families of Lloyd and Hernandez as well as members of the news media and public.
"I welcome you all," she said. "You are most welcome here."
The crowd included Shayanna Jenkins, Hernandez fiancé, and his mother, Terri Hernandez, who drove to Massachusetts from her home in Bristol, Conn.
-- An earlier version of this report was published at 2:35 p.m.