Aaron Hernandez pleads not guilty to first-degree murder

Embattled football star Aaron Hernandez has officially pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder following an arraignment hearing on Friday (06Sep13).

The former New England Patriots tight end stands accused of fatally shooting former friend Odin Lloyd, whose body was found at an industrial park near the sportsman's Massachusetts home in June (13).

Hernandez, who has been behind bars without bail since his arrest on 26 June (13), was indicted by a grand jury last month (Aug13) and he returned to Fall River Superior Court on Friday to formally enter his plea. He also denied five additional weapons and ammunition charges.

Prosecutors have accused Hernandez of orchestrating Lloyd's death. If convicted, he could find himself behind bars without parole for the rest of his life.

His next court date has been set for 9 October (13).