Aaron Hernandez timeline: Key dates in ex-football star's life and his murder case

Ex-NFL star Aaron Hernandez convicted of 1st-degree murder

Former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was found guilty of first-degree murder in the killing of Odin Lloyd, sealing the downfall of an athlete who once had a $40 million contract and a long career ahead of him.

Convicted on Wednesday of the first-degree murder of Odin Lloyd, former New England Patriot tight end, Aaron Hernandez, leaves a legacy of excellence on the gridiron and paranoia and criminality off it.

Here are key dates of his life and career:

June 8, 2010: Hernandez, a standout tight end drafted from the University of Florida, signs a four-year contract with the New England Patriots.

Jan. 1, 2012: He sets a career best with 138 receiving yards in a win over Buffalo.

July 16, 2012: Two men, Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado, are shot to death in their car as they wait at a red light in Boston's South End neighborhood.

Aug. 27, 2012: Hernandez signs a five-year, $40 million contract with the Patriots.

February 2013: An associate, Alexander Bradley, is shot in the face in Florida. Bradley files a lawsuit alleging that Hernandez shot him after they argued at a strip club.

June 17, 2013: The body of Odin Lloyd, a semi-professional football player who was dating the sister of Hernandez's fiancee, is found about a mile from Hernandez's mansion in North Attleborough, Massachusetts.

June 26, 2013: Hernandez is arrested on a murder charge in Lloyd's slaying and taken from his home in handcuffs. He later pleads not guilty. The Patriots release him hours after his arrest.

May 15, 2014: Hernandez is indicted on two counts of first-degree murder and other charges in connection with the shootings of de Abreu and Furtado. His lawyers say he is innocent.

May 28, 2014: Hernandez pleads not guilty to seven charges in connection with the deaths of de Abreu and Furtado. A prosecutor says Hernandez was angry because de Abreu accidentally bumped into him at a nightclub while dancing, spilling his drink.

Jan. 9, 2015: Hernandez goes on trial for murder in Lloyd's killing.

April 7, 2015: Prosecutors and Hernandez's lawyers present their closing statements and the case goes to the jury.

April 15, 2015: Hernandez is convicted of first-degree murder; carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment.

Based on reporting by The Associated Press.