Aaron Hernandez -- Indicted on Murder Charge

11:03 AM PT -- The prosecutor just announced the indictment returned against Hernandez on multiple charges, including murder, carrying a firearm, possession of a firearm, possession of a high-capacity firearm or feeding device, and 2 counts of possession of ammunition.

As he sat down, Hernandez mouthed the words "I love you" to family members in court.

Another hearing has been set for next Friday.

NFL star Aaron Hernandez has just been indicted on a 1st degree murder charge in the death of 27-year-old semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd -- and he's due in court any moment to face his stark new reality.

Hernandez was originally expected in court today for a probable cause hearing -- where prosecutors would have presented evidence that a) a crime was committed, and b) that Hernandez committed the crime.

But a grand jury has already returned an indictment, meaning prosecutors won't have to present additional evidence to justify a trial.

Translation: the probable cause hearing is now pretty much a formality ... but we may still hear from Hernandez' lawyer.