Appeal Filed In Judge’s Gag Order In Hernandez Case

A Massachusetts trial judge has refused prosecutors' request to change or delay a gag order she imposed in the murder case of former New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez.

    Hernandez has pleaded not guilty in the 2013 killing of Odin Lloyd, a 27-year-old Boston man dating the sister of the ex-player's fiancee. 

    Judge Susan Gersh declined Tuesday to change her Feb. 13 order. Prosecutors also have asked a state Supreme Judicial Court justice to stay it. 

    Prosecutors say the order is too broad and was made without evidence they'd been leaking information. Defense attorneys who requested it accused the state of allowing leaks and prejudicial out-of-court statements.   The judge said she found no ethical lapses by prosecutors.

    Garsh's order requires both sides take ``reasonable precautions'' against prejudicial disclosures and says prosecutors must investigate any reports of leaks.  (Associated Press)