FALL RIVER, Mass. – The judge overseeing the murder trial of former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez has removed a juror, saying there was evidence she had spoken about the case in the last few years and had an early interest in being seated on the panel.

Bristol County Superior Court Judge Susan Garsh dismissed the juror Tuesday afternoon after questioning her individually and closing the courtroom to hear evidence on the matter.

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Former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez, right, glances towards the Lloyd family during his trial at Bristol County Superior Court in Fall River, Ma. The Associated Press

After a closed-door hearing that lasted more than 90 minutes, Garsh said there was credible evidence the juror specifically discussed an opinion about the case, including that it would be hard to convict Hernandez without the murder weapon. She said the juror also discussed several items of evidence that the court has ruled are inadmissible in this case.