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Family of Aaron Hernandez murder victim pushes judge for civil ruling

BOSTON — The family of murdered semi-pro football player is asking a civil court judge to move forward with the wrongful death suit against Aaron Hernandez.

Ursula Ward, a longtime Dorchester resident, is represented in the case by attorney Douglass Sheff.

Sheff told the judge Tuesday that Ward is having financial problems and could lose her home if action is not taken in the suit against the former Patriots tight end.

The civil trial is being held until after Aaron Hernandez’ double murder trial in Boston, but Sheff argues that since he’s already been convicted of killing Lloyd there’s no reason to wait.

“This is a shorter way of having that liability established rather than going through the rigors and expense of a trial because we don’t need to,” Sheff said.

Sheff said it’s unclear how much money Hernandez still has, but “certainly the right to fully discover and investigate will also be triggered by this ruling.”

Hernandez had reportedly been paid more than $9 million from his $40 million contract with the Patriots when he was arrested in 2013. He also had several endorsement deals.

It’s unclear when a judge will rule on Sheff’s request.