Aaron Hernandez's fiancée Shayanna Jenkins 'takes time away' from social media after harrowing Netflix documentary

Ellena Cruse20 January 2020
The Weekender

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Shayanna Jenkins, the former fiancée of Aaron Hernandez, has announced she is taking a break from social media after Netflix released the documentary Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez.

The true-crime series takes an in-depth look at the murder of Odin Lloyd in 2013 and subsequent arrest, trial and conviction of NFL star Hernandez.

At the time of the murder, the American football star had signed a five-year $40 million (almost £31 million) contract with the New England Patriots, making the story headline news around the world.

The three-part Netflix series features trial footage, interviews with people close to the case and calls and letters from the NFL player while he was behind bars, before he took his own life.

Tight end Aaron Hernandez had signed with the New England Patriots
Getty Images

Many of the phone calls were to Ms Jenkins which has thrust her back into the public eye.

Taking to social media, the mother of two - who had a daughter with Hernandez - wrote: "I wanted to let all of you sweet, sweet souls know I have to tried to read every message sent on IG [Instagram] and through email (positive and negative).

"The amount of support and positive energy is again unreal! I'm sure you will understand how imperative it is to take some time away from social media."

Ms Jenkins stood by the New England Patriots star throughout his trial, during his incarceration and following his 2017 death.

She also was present at a second trial regarding two murders unrelated to Mr Lloyd’s which Hernandez was acquitted of.

Not everyone has responded well to the documentary and Hernandez's lawyer, Jose Baez, took to Instagram to slam the edit.

Aaron Hernande appearing at court in 2013
Getty Images

“I don't give a damn about what some lame a** documentary has to say about Aaron,” he said on Instagram.

“I knew him, they did not and while he was far from perfect, they are not even close to the truth.

“People have no idea how documentaries are made, the truth is usually found on the cutting room floor. These producers lied directly to my face, so I don't expect their money-making scheme to be much better."

Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez is available on Netflix now.

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