Aaron Hernandez supporters hold out hope for not guilty verdict

(MyFoxBoston.com) -- When Aaron Hernandez walked into court Monday, he probably expected to see his fiancé Shayanna Jenkins; however, he might not have expected to see the other people who attended to show their support.

About a half a dozen people, including some who wore pins and even a Hernandez jersey, took time out of his or her day to support the former Patriots player.

One of the women even tapped Jenkins on the shoulder and whispered her support.

Kelly Tores, of Fall River, brought her teenaged daughter to the hearing Monday. Both wore matching buttons with Hernandez's picture in a frame over an American flag.

Tores told FOX 25's Ted Daniel Monday's hearing was the third she has attended so far. She is hoping to get Hernandez's attention.

"Have you written him in jail?" Daniel asked.

"I have…always will support him," Tores replied.

There are also pockets of this support in Bristol, Conn. Hernandez is the most successful athlete to come out of the city to date.

Bob Montgomery, a long-time sports columnist for the Bristol Press, said he has covered Hernandez since day one.

"I hope it's not true, but it's sad to say that," Montgomery said.

Hernandez isn't the first high-profile defendant to gain a following, and this strange saga continues to unfold.

Hernandez has pleaded not guilty to the murder of 27-year-old Odin Lloyd.

It is important to note that members of Lloyd's family are at all of Hernandez's hearings, and it would be hard for them to miss his supporters.

Cox Media Group