The FX series, American Sports Story, delves into the tragic case of Aaron Hernandez, a former New England Patriots star, and the murder of Odin Lloyd, a semi-professional football player. Episode 8, titled “Odin,” specifically addresses the question that lingered over the entire case: Why Did Aaron Hernandez Kill Odin Lloyd? While the show offers a narrative, the reality is far more complex and frustratingly ambiguous. Despite extensive investigations and a highly publicized trial, a definitive motive for the murder was never firmly established.
The Unclear Motive: Reality vs. American Sports Story
In American Sports Story, a motive is presented: Odin Lloyd supposedly discovered Aaron Hernandez’s secret “flop house” apartment and shared this information with his girlfriend, who was also the sister of Hernandez’s fiancée, Shayanna Jenkins. The series suggests this breach of trust and potential exposure of Hernandez’s private life triggered the murder. However, in reality, Aaron Hernandez himself never offered a clear explanation for his actions. He maintained silence about his motive, leaving investigators, the public, and even those close to him grasping for answers.
Unlike the streamlined narrative presented in the TV show, the actual relationship between Hernandez and Lloyd was more nuanced. They were not mere acquaintances who had just met. Reports indicate that Hernandez and Lloyd had known each other for a couple of years prior to the 2013 murder, having been introduced through family connections. Hernandez had even provided Lloyd with perks like tickets to Patriots games and promised him a trip to California, painting a picture of a friendship, however complicated, rather than a fleeting association.
Theories and Speculations Surrounding the Motive
Given the absence of a confession or definitive explanation from Hernandez, various theories and speculations emerged in an attempt to understand the motive behind Odin Lloyd’s murder.
The Prosecutor’s Theory: Loss of Trust
Prosecutors leaned towards a motive rooted in a breakdown of trust. They argued that Hernandez became paranoid and believed Lloyd had become a liability. This theory aligns somewhat with the American Sports Story portrayal, albeit with different specifics. Prosecutors suggested that Hernandez may have suspected Lloyd of divulging sensitive information, possibly related to Hernandez’s alleged involvement in other crimes or aspects of his private life. The text message Hernandez sent the night before Lloyd’s death, “You can’t trust anyone anymore,” further fueled this line of reasoning. The alleged incident at a Boston nightclub, mentioned in some reports, might also have contributed to Hernandez’s growing distrust of Lloyd.
The Unproven Sexuality Theory
Another theory, which gained considerable traction in public discourse, suggested that Hernandez killed Lloyd because Lloyd discovered or was about to reveal Hernandez’s closeted homosexuality or bisexuality. This theory, while popular and seemingly supported by Hernandez’s later confessions about his sexuality while incarcerated, remains unproven and speculative in relation to the Odin Lloyd murder. There is no concrete evidence directly linking Hernandez’s sexuality to the motive for killing Lloyd.
The Potential Role of CTE
Adding another layer of complexity to this tragic case is the revelation that Aaron Hernandez was diagnosed with severe Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) after his suicide in 2017. CTE is a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma, common in football players. While the full impact of CTE on Hernandez’s actions is still debated, some experts suggest it could have contributed to impulsivity, paranoia, and impaired judgment, potentially playing a role in the events leading to Odin Lloyd’s death.
Shayanna Jenkins from American Sports Story
Conclusion: An Enduring Mystery
Ultimately, the question of “why did Aaron Hernandez kill Odin Lloyd?” remains largely unanswered. While American Sports Story offers a dramatic interpretation for entertainment purposes, the reality is that Aaron Hernandez never explicitly stated his motive, and no single, definitive reason was ever established in court or through subsequent investigations. Whether it was a culmination of paranoia and distrust, a desperate attempt to protect secrets, the influence of CTE, or a combination of factors, the precise motive behind this senseless act of violence remains shrouded in mystery, leaving a lingering sense of tragedy and unanswered questions.
Sources: ESPN, New York Post
