Aaron Hernandez: An ID Murder Mystery

Aaron Hernandez: An ID Murder Mystery is a gripping true crime documentary series from Investigation Discovery (ID) released in 2020. This engaging two-part documentary takes viewers through the tumultuous life of Aaron Hernandez, a talented football player turned convicted killer. At the crux of the documentary is the heartbreaking saga of a promising life shattered beyond recognition, a life where fame, fortune, and football came to a fatal end.

The documentary investigates the astonishing circumstances surrounding Aaron Hernandez's life, his incredibly promising career, and his staggering fall from grace. Through both historical footage and present-day interviews with individuals close to the situation, viewers will embark on a journey that begins with Hernandez's promising beginnings and travels to his status as a notorious figure in American crime history.

The journey starts in Hernandez's youth, where he was regarded as a top draft prospect coming out of high school, with his incredible skills on the football field sealing his destiny as a future star. His entry into the University of Florida and his rapid rise to the top ranks of the National Football League (NFL) with the New England Patriots proved the initial impressions right. But it wasn't too long before the tight end's bright future began to take a dark turn, eventually making him a 'tight end' in an entirely different sense.

The series further delves into Aaron's brush with law enforcement while still a student at the University of Florida and the homicide investigative process, which eventually led to his arrest in June 2013. This infamous arrest was in connection to the murder of semi-professional football player Odin Lloyd, a crime that shocked the nation and brought uninvited scrutiny onto the NFL. The documentary shows viewers the evidence gathered against Hernandez and offers insights into the unfolding of this riveting murder mystery.

This thorough exploration leads the documentary from Hernandez's trial and conviction to the shocking murder charges brought up against him for a 2012 double homicide. Throughout it all, Hernandez maintained his innocence amidst a media frenzy, casting a harsh light on the tension and pressure experienced by individuals living in the public eye.

The series further explores Hernandez's personal life, examining his relationship with his family, his fiancee, and his daughter. And in that exploration, the series tackles complex themes such as identity, sexuality, and the societal pressure males face to conform to certain masculine norms.

Using court footage, news archives, and interviews with those close to Hernandez, the series creates an intimate portrait of a man who, despite his fame and fortune, couldn't escape his darker impulses.

Aaron Hernandez: An ID Murder Mystery goes beyond the cold facts of the case and delves into the psychological aspects of Aaron's life. It takes on an intriguing exploration of the potential long-term impacts of sports-related brain injuries, discussing photographed damage to Hernandez's brain due to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)—a degenerative brain disease commonly found in athletes with a history of repetitive brain trauma.

In the wake of Hernandez's 2017 suicide in prison, CTE debates have become a central focus of investigation. The documentary treats this issue with sensitivity and depth, examining not only the possible impact on Hernandez's behavior but also the broader implications for the sport of football and its players.

Aaron Hernandez: An ID Murder Mystery follows the classic ID style, unravelling the events with meticulous detail and unflinching commitment to seeing the narrative through to its chilling conclusion.

This compelling documentary captures the gravitas of the legal case, the public fallout, and the personal tragedy, bringing out the dichotomy of a life that oscillated between the heights of professional success and the depths of criminal doom.

Overall, the presence of contrasting elements—phenomenal football stardom and horrific criminal charges; personal affections and violence; success and scandal—makes Aaron Hernandez: An ID Murder Mystery a unique, eerie, and fascinating viewing experience. This drama-filled documentary is an essential watch for anyone interested in true crime, sports stories, or tales of personal tragedy.