Two jurors could be dismissed and a mistrial could be declared in the Aaron Hernandez murder trial after a TV van allegedly followed the jurors after they left the courthouse Wednesday in Fall River, Mass.
Superior Court Judge E. Susan Garsh met with two jurors, along with the prosecution and defense teams, at sidebar Thursday morning, the Boston Herald reported. At issue was the jurors apparently being trailed by a WHDH-TV news van, which could amount to juror harassment, a felony under Massachusetts law.
Garsh told the court she would decide what action to take, according to the Herald, which could include barring WHDH from the courtroom for the proceedings, dismissing both jurors or even a mistrial.
UPDATE (12:16 p.m. ET): WHDH issued a statement Thursday afternoon.
“This morning, in the Aaron Hernandez trial, the judge questioned 7News as to any impropriety with the jury in the case,” the statement read. “7News did not approach any juror or talk to any juror. We also did not videotape or take pictures of any juror. We are continuing to work with the court and investigate the situation.”
UPDATE (3:51 p.m. ET): A WHDH cameraman was banned from attending the trial after he admitted under oath that he followed the jurors. The judge did not declare a mistrial, and the jury continued deliberations.
Thumbnail photo via Steven Senne, Pool/Associated Press
