FILE - In this April 14, 2017, file pool photo, former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez turns to look in the direction of the jury as he reacts to his double murder acquittal after the sixth day of jury deliberations at Suffolk Superior Court in Boston. Massachusetts prosecutors on Friday, June 23, 2017, appealed a court ruling that erased the former NFL star's murder conviction in the 2013 killing of a semi-professional football player. Hernandez's conviction inwas voided after he killed himself in prison. Under a long-held Massachusetts legal principle, courts typically erase the convictions of defendants who die before their direct appeals can be heard. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia, Pool, File)Stephan Savoia/Associated Press

Aaron Hernandez's Estate Settles Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Adam WellsJul 26, 2019

A wrongful death lawsuit filed by the families of two men Aaron Hernandez was acquitted of killing has been settled by the estate of the former New England Patriots tight end.

Per Travis Andersen of the Boston Globe, the lawsuit was dismissed by Suffolk Superior Court Judge Douglas H. Wilkins after the "action was reported settled" with the families of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado.

Hernandez was indicted on murder charges for the July 16, 2012 shooting deaths of De Abreu and Furtado in Boston. A jury acquitted him of first-degree murder and other charges on April 14, 2017.

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William T. Kennedy, a lawyer for Furtado's family, issued a statement to Andersen after the settlement:

“What the family of Safiro Furtado will always remember is that Safiro was taken much too soon. Safiro had come to this country for the opportunity it presented. He wanted to get an education and make a contribution for himself and his family. Safiro will be remembered as a thoughtful generous young man. His family appreciates those that keep Safiro in their thoughts and prayers.”

At the time of Hernandez's acquittal, he was already serving a life sentence in prison without parole for the 2013 murder of Odin Lloyd.

Five days after being acquitted of murdering de Abreu and Furtado, Hernandez took his own life in prison.