New England Patriots may owe Aaron Hernandez’s estate millions

The death of Aaron Hernandez adds a new twist to story, and may force the New England Patriots to pay $6 million owed to the former player.

The suicide of former NFL tight end Aaron Hernandez adds a new twist to the entire story. Due to a Massachusetts legal doctrine, Hernandez may have his murder conviction vacated. That also means that the New England Patriots may owe his estate money.

Hernandez’s legal team has been appealing the conviction handed down in 2015, mandating a life sentence without parole. According to the legal doctrine known as “abatement ad initio,” Hernandez may have his conviction cleared. This Latin phrase means “to roll back to the beginning.” In legal terms, it is a principle that wipes out a conviction if the defendant dies before all appeals are exhausted. Thus, the conviction levied against Hernandez in the murder of Odin Lloyd can be overturned. It will be as if he was never charged in the matter.

At the time of his arrest, the Patriots owed Hernandez $3.5 million bonus, according to attorney William Kennedy in a CBS interview. This bonus was halted just hours after his arrest. This number may increase to a total of $6 million in guaranteed salary.

There are still a wrongful death suit against Hernandez’s estate, and lawyers in that case are still seeking compensation. Hernandez forfeited half of his $40 million contract with the Patriots upon being arrested. His house was listed for sale at $1.5 million. His lawyers state that all funds are gone. The funds owed by the Patriots — if they are legally forced to pay — would go to cover all legal compensation.

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Hernandez was acquitted in the first-degree murder case of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado last week. He is survived by a 4-year old daughter, Avielle, and his former fiancee, Shayanna Jenkins.