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Former NE Patriot Aaron Hernandez's Murder Trial Begins

The prosecution in the Aaron Hernandez murder case laid out its evidence against the former Patriots tight end in the first day of trial Thursday.

Former NE Patriot Aaron Hernandez's Murder Trial Begins
Getty Images / Jared Wickerham
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The murder trial for former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez began Thursday, with both sides offering much different perspectives on the fatal shooting of Odin Lloyd.

Hernandez has pleaded not-guilty to first degree murder. He's accused of killing his friend and semi-pro football player, 27-year-old Odin Llyod in 2013. (Video via WJLA)

Prosecutors say Hernandez' DNA was found on a bullet casing inside his rental car, and on a marijuana joint both he and the victim shared. (Video via WBZ-TV)

They also claim a footprint matching his shoes was discovered at an industrial park where the murder occurred, and claim cell phone and text exchanges provide proof Hernandez is guilty. (Video via WFXT)

Michael Lee, Hernandez's defense attorney, denied the accusations. Lee says the prosecution is mounting its evidence to "dazzle and distract" and called the police investigation "sloppy and unprofessional."

He also says prosecutors are unfairly using Hernandez's celebrity status against him.

"As they found out that Aaron Hernandez, the celebrity football player, the New England Patriot, was a friend of Odin Llyod's, Aaron never had a chance," Defense Attorney Michael Lee said.

Hernandez has more legal woes ahead of him outside of the current murder trial. He's also accused of killing two men in a drive-by shooting in Boston in 2012.

This video includes images from Getty Images.