Did Aaron Hernandez’s Wife Get Any Money? The Complicated Truth

Yes, Aaron Hernandez’s wife, Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez, did ultimately receive a significant sum of money after a complex legal battle and probate process. However, the path to receiving those funds was far from straightforward and involved navigating legal complexities, creditor claims, and the shadow of Hernandez’s crimes.

Unpacking the Estate: A Legal Labyrinth

The story of Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez’s inheritance is a tale of legal maneuvering, unexpected outcomes, and the enduring weight of Aaron Hernandez’s actions. Let’s delve into the intricacies of how she eventually received compensation.

The Nullification and Reinstatement of Hernandez’s Conviction

Initially, after Hernandez’s suicide in prison, a legal principle known as “abatement ab initio” came into play. This meant that because he died while his appeal was pending, his original murder conviction was vacated. This seemingly technical legal point had profound financial implications.

Why? Because Massachusetts law prevented criminals from profiting from their crimes. With the conviction vacated, the door opened for claims against his estate, including potential wrongful death lawsuits. This dramatically altered the financial landscape surrounding Hernandez’s assets.

However, this legal maneuver was short-lived. In 2019, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court reinstated Hernandez’s conviction, stating that while the appeal was incomplete, he died “as a matter of his own volition.”

The Estate’s Value and Creditor Claims

Despite the reinstatement of the conviction, the probate process continued. Hernandez’s estate, initially valued at virtually nothing due to existing and anticipated lawsuits, became the subject of intense scrutiny. Various creditors, including the family of Odin Lloyd (the murder victim), sought compensation.

Importantly, the reinstatement of the conviction didn’t automatically bar Hernandez’s heirs (including his wife and daughter) from receiving any inheritance. It simply meant that claims related to his criminal actions had priority.

The Crucial Role of the NFL Pension and CTE Lawsuit

Here’s where the plot thickens. A critical component of Shayanna’s eventual inheritance came from an NFL pension and a potential settlement related to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).

The NFL pension, earned during Hernandez’s time as a tight end for the New England Patriots, was separate from the civil lawsuits stemming from the murder. Shayanna, as his widow, had a strong claim to these benefits.

Furthermore, Hernandez’s brain was posthumously diagnosed with severe CTE. This diagnosis opened the door to a potential claim against the NFL for the league’s alleged failure to protect players from the long-term effects of head trauma.

The Settlement and Distribution

After years of legal wrangling, a settlement was reached in the Odin Lloyd wrongful death lawsuit. This settlement, while significant, didn’t completely exhaust Hernandez’s assets. Importantly, Shayanna secured a settlement in the CTE lawsuit on behalf of her daughter.

While the specific details of the settlement remain confidential, it’s widely reported that Shayanna and her daughter, Avielle, ultimately received a substantial sum, primarily from the NFL pension and the CTE settlement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the financial outcome for Aaron Hernandez’s wife and daughter:

1. What is “abatement ab initio,” and how did it affect the case?

Abatement ab initio is a legal doctrine that essentially nullifies a conviction if the defendant dies while their appeal is pending. It initially played a crucial role because it temporarily removed the legal barrier preventing Hernandez’s estate from being distributed to his heirs. The removal of the conviction allowed for Shayanna and Avielle to have legal access to the money before the conviction was reinstated.

2. How did the reinstatement of Hernandez’s conviction affect the distribution of assets?

The reinstatement of Hernandez’s conviction, while symbolic, primarily impacted the priority of claims against his estate. Creditors seeking compensation for his crimes were once again given precedence.

3. Did the Odin Lloyd family receive compensation from Hernandez’s estate?

Yes, the family of Odin Lloyd received a multi-million dollar settlement from Hernandez’s estate as part of a wrongful death lawsuit. The exact amount remains confidential, but it was a significant factor in determining the remaining assets.

4. What role did the NFL pension play in Shayanna’s inheritance?

The NFL pension was a key asset. As Hernandez’s widow, Shayanna had a strong legal claim to his pension benefits, which were separate from the lawsuits related to his criminal actions.

5. What is CTE, and how did it become relevant to the case?

CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) is a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma. Hernandez’s posthumous diagnosis with severe CTE formed the basis for a potential lawsuit against the NFL, alleging that the league failed to protect him from the dangers of concussions. This CTE settlement was crucial to the amount she was able to receive.

6. Did Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez file a lawsuit against the NFL for CTE?

While she did not file a lawsuit in her name, she acted as the legal guardian for her daughter. They pursued a claim against the NFL on behalf of their daughter, Avielle Hernandez, arguing that Hernandez’s CTE diagnosis impacted his behavior and ultimately led to the tragic events.

7. How much money did Shayanna and Avielle Hernandez ultimately receive?

The exact amount remains confidential due to settlement agreements. However, reports suggest it was a substantial sum, likely in the millions of dollars, primarily derived from the NFL pension and the CTE settlement.

8. Did Shayanna remarry after Aaron Hernandez’s death?

Yes, Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez has since remarried.

9. What happened to the house that Aaron Hernandez owned?

The house was sold as part of the estate settlement to help cover debts and legal costs. The sale contributed to the funds available for distribution to creditors and beneficiaries.

10. What legal challenges did Shayanna face in accessing the assets?

Shayanna faced numerous legal challenges, including navigating creditor claims, probate court proceedings, and the initial abatement and subsequent reinstatement of Hernandez’s conviction. These challenges required considerable legal expertise and perseverance.

11. Was there a trust fund established for Avielle Hernandez?

While specific details about a formal trust fund haven’t been publicly disclosed, it’s highly likely that a structured financial plan was put in place to manage Avielle’s portion of the settlement and ensure her long-term financial security.

12. What is the current status of the Hernandez family’s legal battles?

While the major settlements related to the Odin Lloyd case and the CTE claim have been resolved, ongoing legal matters related to Hernandez’s estate may still exist, although they are unlikely to significantly impact the financial outcome for Shayanna and Avielle.