Murder Arraignment Expected Next Week

BOSTON, May 21, 2014—With his arraignment on two counts of first-degree murder expected one week from today, Boston Police and Suffolk prosecutors are seeking assistance from tattoo artists who may have inked AARON HERNANDEZ in the aftermath of the 2012 homicides of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado.

Investigators hope to speak with the artist or artists who provided Hernandez with specific tattoos on his right forearm between February 2012 and June 2013. Hernandez is known to have traveled to Hermosa Beach, California; Bristol, Connecticut; Palm Beach and Miami, Florida; Boston, Massachusetts; and Rhode Island in that time period, but investigators are open to speaking with anyone who tattooed Hernandez’ right forearm during that time.

The artists being sought are considered witnesses only and are not accused of any wrongdoing. In order not to taint any potential statements, authorities are not publicly describing the specific tattoos or the nature of the inquiry – only that the artists may have made observations of evidentiary value in the pending Suffolk County murder prosecutions. Anyone with this information may contact Boston Police Sgt. Det. Marc Sullivan at 617-343-5839.

Also today, prosecutors announced that Hernandez’ arraignment is expected to take place at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, in a courtroom to be determined at the Suffolk County Courthouse, located at Three Pemberton Square in downtown Boston. Hernandez will be arraigned on two counts of first-degree murder, three counts of armed assault with intent to murder, and single counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Hernandez’ cousin, TANYA SINGLETON, is expected to be arraigned on an additional indictment for criminal contempt of court on June 2.

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All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.