Opening statements expected in murder trial of ex-Pat Aaron Hernandez

FALL RIVER, Mass. (AP) — Prosecutors in Massachusetts are expected to lay out their case today against former New England Patriots star player Aaron Hernandez, as they deliver opening statements in his murder trial days before Hernandez's old team is due to play in the Super Bowl on Sunday.

Hernandez, 25, has pleaded not guilty to killing semiprofessional football player Odin Lloyd in 2013. Lloyd, 27, was dating the sister of Hernandez's fiancée. He was found shot to death near Hernandez's home not far from Gillette Stadium.

Hernandez had a $40 million contract as a tight end with the New England Patriots when he was arrested in June 2013 and charged with murder. Prosecutors say he and two friends, Carlos Ortiz and Ernest Wallace, picked Lloyd up at his home in Boston, drove him to an industrial park in North Attleborough and shot him to death.

They have not said who pulled the trigger, but said Hernandez orchestrated the killing.

Ortiz and Wallace have both pleaded not guilty and will be tried separately.