The lawyer for Anthony Hernandez appears to be challenging a Massachusetts State Police report concluding that the former NFL player committed suicide in his jail cell and recommending the case be closed.
As Crime Online previously reported, the Massachusetts State Police released a report on the April 19 hanging death of Hernandez in his jail cell at the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center in Massachusetts. The police report confirmed earlier media reports that Hernandez had written on his face and the walls of his prison cell, doused the cell floor with soap to make it slippery, had no illegal drugs in his system, and left three suicide notes behind — though the report redacted any details about the notes, including the recipients.
The report also stated that Hernandez had been alone in his cell overnight.
The officer who signed off on the report requested that the case be closed, “unless new information is uncovered that would warrant the case being re-opened.”
But not everyone is satisfied with the conclusion.
In a statement obtained by LawNewz.com, Hernandez’s Attorney Jose Baez questioned the death investigation and blasted those purportedly responsible for leaking details to the media without keeping Hernandez’s family in the loop.
The unprofessional behavior of those entrusted to impartially and professionally conduct an investigation into Aaron’s death has caused grave concern as to the validity and thoroughness of the investigation. Accordingly, we intend to fully, completely and impartially review all of the evidence in this matter. We will not speculate as to the conclusions of our investigation. We can only promise the best investigators and forensic experts available will conduct a thorough analysis.
Any official who attempts to interfere or inhibit our investigation by refusing to allow access to the evidence surrounding this matter will not be tolerated. We will use any and all of the legal tools at our disposal to expose and prevent any such interference.
Baez slammed what he said was a “total lack of professionalism exhibited by government officials and their employees” in allowing details to leak to the media.
Baez has also vocally challenged reports that claimed Hernandez was involved in a relationship with a fellow inmate, and left a suicide note to that man. Baez has insisted that a third note was addressed to him, with the other two addressed to Hernandez’s fiancee and his daughter.
Photo: Associated Press