Judge Grants Immunity In Hernandez Trial

A relative of Aaron Hernandez has been granted immunity in the former New England Patriots star's upcoming murder trial.

Bristol Superior Court assistant clerk Mark Ferriera says Justice Susan Garsh granted prosecutors' petition for immunity on Wednesday for Jennifer Mercado. Mercado is the sister of Tanya Singleton, Hernandez's cousin who is charged in connection with the case.

Hernandez's fiancee, Shayanna Jenkins, also was in court Wednesday for a closed-door hearing on a similar petition for immunity. The outcome of Jenkins' request has not been released.

Jenkins, her lawyers and prosecutors all declined to comment.

Jenkins is charged with perjury for allegedly lying to a grand jury investigating the 2013 killing of semiprofessional football player Odin Lloyd.

Hernandez has pleaded not guilty in the slaying. Jury selection for his trial starts Friday.