Judge Susan Garsh grants immunity to Aaron Hernandez' fiancee
Kathryn Sotnik and Marc Fortier, NECN
The judge presiding over the murder trial of former New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez has allowed for immunity for Hernandez's fiancee, Shayanna Jenkins, according to court documents released Tuesday.
The decision means that Jenkins could be compelled to testify against Hernandez or face jail. No further details are available, as the immunity request by prosecutors is "filed under seal."
Shayanna Jenkins is living the highlife, at present. Getting to stay in the North Attleborough, MA home of former New England Patriots' TE Aaron Hernandez isn't too shabby. Their two year old daughter gets to live there as well. The boyfriend is resting comfortably at the Nashua Street Jail in Boston.
The Prosecution has cut a deal with Shayanna Jenkins hoping she will provide information, including a box from the basement that Hernandez supposedly told her to get rid of. Jenkins has been charged with perjury for allegedly lying to a grand jury dozens of times. This is all in connection with the Odin Lloyd murder trial.
According to legal analyst Lester Munson of ESPN, the purpose of immunity is to prevent the 5th amendment plea to not answer the prosecutors questions. Shayanna has two options:
1. Testify to incriminating details that occurred in the residence.
2. Refuse to answer questions and be held in contempt of court.
The second part would negate the immunity offered by the prosecution, and would guarantee jail time for Shayanna. Jenkins last week shared notes with the defense team. The prosecution is working to gather evidence while the defense is looking to suppress. Shayanna Jenkins is caught in the middle.
The gun used to kill Odin Lloyd has not been found. Will those "I love you" whispers between Hernandez and Jenkins in court keep key items buried along with many other dark secrets?
If Aaron Hernandez and Shayanna Jenkins had been married, she would not have forced to forced to testify against her husband.
Paul Murphy is a freelance writer from New Hampshire.
Follow me on Twitter at @_prmurphy
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