The former New England Patriots player appeared at Bristol County Superior Court in Fall River, Massachusetts on Wednesday (15Apr15) to hear his fate as the jurors returned their verdict on the killing of Odin Lloyd.

It took seven days for the jury to draw conclusions over Hernandez's involvement in the bloody shooting of former semi-professional footballer Lloyd in June, 2013, and they eventually convicted him of first degree murder.

Throughout the trial, Hernandez protested his innocence and denied killing his former friend, whose body was found at an industrial park near the sportsman's home in Massachusetts.

Hernandez, who faces life in prison, was also found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Two other men, Carlos Ortiz and Ernest Wallace, have also been charged with murder stemming from the shooting and have pleaded not guilty. They will be tried separately.

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TMZ: Aaron Hernandez -- GUILTY OF 1ST DEGREE MURDER | TMZ.com