This morning, amid initial shock, feelings were mixed toward the death of former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez, who was serving life in prison without the possibility of parole. Initially sentenced in 2015, he was also facing two additional life sentences for a 2012 drive-by shooting, in which he was implicated as the shooter. Just five days ago he was acquitted of both murders, inspiring some hope in his legal team that perhaps, pending an appeal, he could one day be a free man again.
That hope was dashed as he was found dead in his cell this morning of an apparent suicide. News spread quickly, and many in the Hip Hop community shared their reactions on Twitter.
The AaronHernandez story was a 360 tragedy,as MelleMel spit in The Message to remind the masses of lockdown life.The glamorization is poison
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) April 19, 2017
It’s A lot 2 Be Learned From The Aaron Hernandez Story!!!! (Good & Bad)
— Plies (@plies) April 19, 2017
This is sad ????? https://t.co/miFWGg2GNbpic.twitter.com/NclOlk0b8a — Snoop Dogg (@SnoopDogg) April 19, 2017
Aaron Hernandez had so much going for himself but he refused to shake the hood mentality. Now his chapter is closed.
— Ferrari Sheppard (@stopbeingfamous) April 19, 2017
Damn! Aaron Hernandez killed himself ? — PETEROCK.COM (@PeteRock) April 19, 2017
That Aaron Hernadez mini series we are sure to see in the future just got a FIRE ending tho…..
— Charlamagne Tha God (@cthagod) April 19, 2017
A growing number of users seemed to reject the “theory” of suicide — notably his former agent. Some suggested that it wouldn’t make sense following his recent legal victories. Although, as many memes point out, this ignores the fact that Aaron was still set to spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Absolutely no chance he took his own life. Chico was not a saint, but my family and I loved him and he would never take his own life. — Brian Murphy (@A1Murph) April 19, 2017
Lawyer, agent & teammates saying they don’t believe #AaronHernandez killed himself. Now investigating murder – https://t.co/R36E0sPGnSpic.twitter.com/5sL4twc0RK
— Connected K (@theconnectedk) April 19, 2017
Statement from #AaronHernandez defense attorney Jose Baez about his overnight suicide inside prison #WBZpic.twitter.com/8oFRj1P6IN
— Ryan Kath (@ryankath) April 19, 2017
Some chose to point out that perhaps, in light of the brazen nature of his initial conviction, his death should be talked about in a different way.
22 veterans commit suicide everyday after experiencing hell for our freedom. If only they got as much attention as murderer Aaron Hernandez
— Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) April 19, 2017
Aaron Hernandez is a convicted murderer and killed y'all are saying "rest in peace"? pic.twitter.com/V0ZjfxjGZj
— Fabs (@Fabio227) April 19, 2017
At the end of the day, though, the tragedy of the situation is that multiple loved ones were taken from their families, and that includes Hernandez’s. Although an archaic legal principle called “abatement ab initio” will see his conviction voided, ensuring he dies as an innocent man, there is definitely no closure, or easy answer as to why he chose to throw it all away.
Instead of using this time to mock suicide, I will use it to feel heartbroken for Aaron Hernandez’s 4-year-old daughter Avielle. pic.twitter.com/HC1H1qAGUN — Josh Sánchez (@jnsanchez) April 19, 2017