Updated 08:00 AM EDT, Fri, Mar 29, 2024

Aaron Hernandez Trial Update: Cameraman Barred From Courtroom Following Juror Incident

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Superior Court Judge Susan Garsh barred a cameraman from the Fall River Justice Center after two jurors in the Aaron Hernandez trial complained that the media person followed them to their parking area.

According to Yahoo Sports, the two jurors said that they saw WHDH-TV cameraman Robert Cusanelli driving a company car near a parking lot where they often leave their vehicles.

"He cannot come into this building or be driving a WHDH vehicle for the purpose of doing reporting work on this case," Garsh was quoted by USA Today as saying after the cameraman testified under oath on Thursday.

Cusanelli allegedly watched the jurors while he was aboard a Ford Explorer and took a picture of their license plate.

Yahoo Sports added that the the judge asked the two members of the jury if the said incident "compromised their ability to decide the fate of Hernandez," who is facing charges for the murder of Odin Lloyd two years ago. It was lucky enough for the two to say that they will continue to deliberate on the case which has yet to receive its verdict.

Garsh reportedly became angry with the media and reminded them that this can result to a mistrial if the jurors will not continue with the case.

"This is a very serious matter. It would have left us with one alternate fairly early in the deliberation... You cannot approach, question, harass [or] follow any juror," the judge was quoted by Yahoo Sports as saying.

During questioning in court, Cusanelli said it was his sole decision to follow where the jurors where parking but noted that he was not able to talk to them nor take photos of or note down the license plate as alleged. "I see now that it was a mistake," the cameraman said in his court testimony.

The television station, according to USA Today, released a statement affirming that their cameraman did not come near the jurors nor talked to them. "We also did not videotape or take pictures of any juror. We are continuing to work with the court and investigate the situation," the statement added.

After the incident, Garsh reportedly issued a written order to the media for them not to approach, follow, contact, harass, photograph or take down the license plates of any members of the jury. The order was given to each and every member of the media present at the courthouse.

During Thursday's trial, the jury reportedly asked clarification about the weapon and ammunition possession charges of the suspect. They are expected to meet again on Friday at 9 a.m. and will end their deliberation at around 1 p.m. because of schedule concerns, USA Today said.

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