The dramatic descent of Aaron Hernandez from NFL star to prison gang member was on full display recently during a court appearance. During a pre-trial hearing for an upcoming double murder case, he was sporting a new prison tattoo. The tattoo says “lifetime” and “loyalty” with a 5-pointed star and a skull and spiderweb.
Some gang experts are now stating that the tattoos represent membership in the violent “Bloods” prison gang. Hernandez is facing a trial in early 2016 for the murders of Daniel Abreu and Safiro Furtado. The killing was instigated after Abreu spilled a drink on Hernandez at a nightclub in Boston in 2012. The two men were shot to death at a traffic light with a .38 caliber handgun that has been tied to Hernandez. After the double murder he was allegedly heard to say,m”I think I got one in the head and one in the chest.”
Hernandez pleaded not guilty to the double murder charges and he remains in headlines due to his prison behavior. Earlier this month during a search of his prison cell, guards found a handmade shank. Hernandez is serving a life sentence for the murder of Odin Lloyd in 2012, which occurred shortly after he signed a $40 million, 5 year contract with the New England Patriots.
According to prison officials, getting a tattoo in prison is a rules violation but there has been no word yet on if he has been punished for the infraction. In 2015, Hernandez was involved in a massive prison brawl that involved the Bloods and his new tattoo has led many to believe he is a full-fledged member.
