Opening statements are expected Tuesday in the Aaron Hernandez murder case out of Bristol County, according to Judge Susan Garsh, barring any unforeseen issues.
The former New England Patriot has pleaded not guilty to killing 27 year old Odin Lloyd back in 2013.
In anticipation of the high-profile trial, procedures and protocols are already in place outside the Fall River Justice Center.
Police are on foot patrol.
A road adjacent to to the courthouse is closed off.
Nearby parking meters are bagged for media, from both local and national networks, who are paying to park there.
At Cafe Arpeggio, directly across the street, owner Robert Gould says he's embracing the throngs of media and that the trial is "good for business," during an otherwise slow time.
Massachusetts
The latest news from around the state
"Crazy amount of media coming," said Gould.
Directly next door at the TapHouse, they're even having some fun with their specials.
Friday, it was a "guilty burger" or "not guilty wrap."
Taunton attorney Patrick Keady won't be eating either.
He's one of the potential jurors now off the case.
Keady believes, although he could have remained impartial, that he was dismissed because he's a lawyer.
Judge Garsh has spent the week questioning potential jurors to whittle down the jury pool.
Originally, more than 1,000 people were called.
On Monday, lawyers on both sides will have a chance to eliminate 18 people each from the final pool.
When the jury is finally seated, there will be 12 jurors and 6 alternates.
