Quinn Named Acting DA

A new top prosecutor has been appointed to oversee the murder case against former New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez, after Bristol District Attorney Sam Sutter left the job to become mayor of Fall River.

Outgoing Gov. Deval Patrick on Friday appointed Thomas M. Quinn III as acting district attorney.

Quinn was a top assistant for Sutter, and has worked in the office for 16 years.

He steps into the role a week before jury selection is scheduled to start in Hernandez's first murder trial. He's charged with killing semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd in 2013.

Sutter officially resigned Friday. He was elected mayor in a recall election, and was sworn in on Tuesday.

He has said he is confident with the prosecution team assigned to the Hernandez case.