aaron hernandez
Aaron Hernandez has been in prison since June 26, 2013. Reuters

As Aaron Hernandez approaches trial for the murder of Odin Lloyd, a few members of the New England Patriots franchise might become part of the case. According to reports, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft are potential witnesses in the upcoming murder trial.

If Belichick and Kraft are asked to testify, it won’t happen until 2015. Hernandez was arrested in June 2013, and subsequently released from the team. However, the trial won’t start until next year, and jury selection is scheduled to begin on Jan. 9.

According to court documents, Belichick and Kraft were interviewed by authorities after Lloyd was killed. In July, a Patriots attorney said the prosecutors were given 34 text messages between the head coach and New England’s former tight end.

A few NFL players have also been listed as possible witnesses on a list made up by prosecutors of more than 300 people. Buffalo Bills linebacker Brandon Spikes and Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Mike Pouncey could also be called to testify.

Lawyers for Hernandez asked that Judge E. Susan Garsh reduce the list of 305 people, calling it “inconceivable” that the prosecution would call on that many witnesses.

Hernandez has denied killing Lloyd on the night of June 17, 2013. Carlos Ortiz and Ernest Wallace are accused of being with Hernandez on the night of Lloyd’s death, and they’ve also been indicted on a murder charge.

Hernandez also faces murder charges that stem from a shooting in July 2012. While in prison for killing Lloyd, Hernandez was indicted on a double homicide that took place in Boston 11 months before Lloyd died.

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