Cameras and reporters followed -- and broadcast -- every move of New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez on Thursday as questions continued about what might be his connection to the investigation of a homicide in North Attleboro, Mass.
Meanwhile, local prosecutors reiterated that the case is under investigation. They would not confirm or deny any reports about Hernandez.
SI.com has reported that Hernandez is believed to be connected to the recent homicide of Odin L. Lloyd, 27, a semi-pro football player from Dorchester. The same SI.com report, citing an unnamed source, said the tight end is not a suspect .
SI.com reported that a vehicle rented in Hernandez's name appeared to be a key piece of evidence in the case. Authorities also have asked for help finding a silver mirror cover from a vehicle that might be connected to the case. No other information has been released.
Lloyd's body was found about 5:30 p.m. on Monday. An autopsy confirmed his death was a homicide, authorities said. Lloyd's family told The Associated Press that Lloyd had connections to Hernandez, although they would not elaborate.
No other information was released.
On Wednesday, two troopers knocked at the door of the Hernandez home, but no one answered. Hernandez returned home later that day. The day before, SI.com reported that authorities searched Hernandez's home, and two men were escorted from the scene separately, but they were not in handcuffs.
Michael Fee, a lawyer at Ropes and Gray, released a statement regarding Hernandez and the investigation.
"Out of respect for that process, neither we nor Aaron will have any comment about the substance of that investigation until it has come to a conclusion," Fee said in the statement.
Patriots spokesman Stacey James told ABC News: "I am aware of the reports, but I do not anticipate that we will be commenting publicly during an ongoing police investigation."
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Wednesday morning that the league would have no comment on the investigation.
A fourth-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, Hernandez has emerged as one of Tom Brady's favorite weapons. Hernandez will be even more vital to New England's offense if Rob Gronkowski is forced to miss time in the regular season after undergoing back surgery Tuesday.
Hernandez signed a seven-year, $41.1 million contract extension with the Patriots in August 2012.
UPDATE: Hernandez was seen by cameras going to Gillette Stadium late Thursday morning. News helicopters tracked him leaving his house and arriving at the Patriots' facility. He later drove to Boston.
