Aaron Hernandez pleads not guilty in jail assault case

FALL RIVER, Mass. – Former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez, who is charged with murder in three killings, has pleaded not guilty to assaulting an inmate and threatening a guard and his family.

The plea came Monday, the same day his lawyers asked a Massachusetts judge to dismiss a murder charge in the 2013 slaying of semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd. Defence attorneys say the charges should be dismissed because prosecutors have failed to show probable cause that Hernandez killed Lloyd or even took part in the slaying.

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Prosecutors countered that they have “powerful evidence” against Hernandez that bolsters their case.

The judge did not immediately rule.

Hernandez also is charged with killing two men in Boston in 2012. He is being held without bail.