Fact Check: "Hernández has a history of killing three people as a drug runner."
What We Know
The claim that Hernández has a history of killing three people as a drug runner is substantiated by multiple sources. Jorge Hernández, a long-time informant for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), admitted to killing three individuals during his time as a drug runner in Colombia. This admission was made shortly after he was arrested in Venezuela, where he had fled to escape drug dealers who were seeking to kill him (AP News, ABC News).
Hernández's criminal activities as a drug runner are well-documented, and he has been involved in significant drug trafficking cases over the years. His role as an informant, which began around 2000, has led to numerous high-profile arrests and prosecutions, showcasing his deep involvement in the drug trade (AP News, NYP Post).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes primarily from credible news sources that have reported on Hernández's admissions and his extensive history with the DEA. The Associated Press and ABC News, both reputable outlets, have detailed Hernández's background, including his confessions about the killings (AP News, ABC News).
Hernández's reliability as a source, however, is complicated by his history of deceit and manipulation as an informant. He has been described as a "master of the double cross," indicating that while he provided valuable information, he also engaged in unethical behavior, including threatening other informants (AP News, NYP Post). This raises questions about the context of his admissions and whether they were made under duress or as part of a strategy to gain favor with law enforcement.
Despite these complexities, the core fact that he admitted to killing three people during his time as a drug runner is consistently reported and corroborated by multiple sources, making it a credible claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Hernández has a history of killing three people as a drug runner is true, based on his own admissions and corroborated by multiple reputable sources. While his reliability as an informant may be questionable due to his history of manipulation, the specific admission regarding the killings stands as a verifiable fact.
Sources
- Longtime DEA informant charged in alleged scheme to extort high-level cocaine traffickers. AP News
- Murder of Odin Lloyd. Wikipedia
- Shadowy snitch takes starring role in bribery trial of veteran DEA agents. AP News
- Ex-Patriots star Aaron Hernandez sounded upbeat in final prison calls. NPR
- Aaron Hernandez. Wikipedia
- DEA informant charged in alleged scheme to extort high-level cocaine traffickers. ABC News
- Longtime DEA informant Jorge Hernández charged in alleged scheme to extort high-level cocaine traffickers. NYP Post
