Prosecutors in the Aaron Hernandez murder case have requested the judge assigned to the case recuse herself based on "a well-known and publicly documented history of antagonism" with one of the state's leading attorneys.
"In a prior murder case involving the same prosecutor, the judge exhibited antagonism and bias toward the prosecution throughout the case," prosecutors noted in requesting that Falls Rivers Superior Court Judge Susan Garsh step aside, according to CBS News. "The lead prosecutor and the trial judge currently assigned to this case have a well-known history, a history that has, in the past, generated broad public comment and concern."
A hearing on the issue was scheduled for later this month and the defense has already indicated that they plan to fight attempts at the judge's removal. Also on Wednesday, for the first time since proceedings began Hernandez took the stand so the judge could question him about a potential conflict of interest involving one of his attorneys.
Defense lead attorney Michael Fee is a partner at Ropes and Gray, the same firm that employs Assistant District Attorney Patrick Bomber's wife. While being questioned by the judge, Hernandez gave a series of "yes" and "no" answers, ultimately telling the judge he wanted Fee to remain on the case.
Hernandez was indicted in late August in the killing of 27-year-old semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd. He has pled not guilty to first-degree murder and five weapons-related charges. Hernandez, 23, remains held without bail and relegated to solitary confinement.
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