(Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
When Aaron Hernandez committed suicide, he worked his way into a loophole that would make him an innocent man.
In the state of Massachusetts, when someone dies after being convicted of a crime, they are only considered guilty if their appeal process is completed. However, Hernandez’s appeal was still pending when he died, thus making him an ‘innocent man’ according to Massachusettes law.
As a result of dying as an ‘innocent man’, the New England Patriots cannot justify terminating his contract. Therefore, the team may need to pay the rest of his contract cash to the beneficiary of Hernandez’s estate, his fiancee, Shay.
Massachusetts Court officials released the letter that former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez wrote to his fiancée, Shayanna Jenkins, before he committing suicide on April 19:
Shay,
You have always been my soul-mate and I want you to love life and know I’m always with you. I told you what was coming indirectly! I love you so much and know you are an angel – literally! We split into two to come change the world! Your characteristics is that of a true angel and the definition of God’s love! Tell my story fully but never think anything besides how much I love you. This was the Supreme’s, the Almighty’s plan, not mine! I love you! Let (redacted) know how much I love her! Look after (redacted) and (redacted) for me – they are my boys (you’re rich). I knew I loved you = Savage Garden
