Bill Belichick Could Be Called To Testify Against Aaron Hernandez In Murder Trial

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft could both be called to testify against Aaron Hernandez in his upcoming trial on murder charges.

ESPN reports both are listed among the potential 300 witnesses prosecutors could call in hopes of proving their case against the former NFL star in the killing of one-time associate Odin Lloyd.

On Monday, attorneys for Hernandez filed a motion requesting that judge Susan E. Garsh order prosecutors to pare down their list of potential witnesses, arguing that is “inconceivable” they will call more than 300 people to testify. The trial is scheduled to commence in January of next year.

The 25-year-old Hernandez is charged with first-degree murder in the execution style killing of Lloyd in June of 2013. Lloyd’s bullet-riddled body was found in an industrial park not far from the former Patriots tight end’s North Attleborough home.

In the days after Lloyd’s body was found, both Belichick and Kraft were interviewed by police. An attorney for the team has also previously told reporters that 34 text messages between Belichick and Hernandez have been turned over to prosecutors.

Others listed as potential witnesses to be called by the prosecution include Hernandez’s mother, Terri Hernandez; his fiancée, Shayanna Jenkins; and former Patriots teammate Brandon Spikes. Hernandez has pleaded not guilty in the case.

Jailed for nearly 18-months without bail, Hernandez has also been charged as the trigger-man in the July 2012 drive-by shooting deaths of two men outside a downtown Boston nightclub. In that case, prosecutors have speculated Hernandez opened fire after he became angry one of the men accidentally spilled a drink on him and failed to apologize.

Safiro Furtado and Daniel de Abreu were both gunned down as they drove off in their vehicle and waited at a stoplight. Hernandez has also pleaded not guilty in that case.

[Photo Credit: Jeffrey Beall]