Souza-Baranowski locked down, searched after Hernandez's suicide

SHIRLEY, Mass. — The Massachusetts Department of Corrections announced Tuesday morning that the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center has been locked down while the facility is searched.

DOC officials said the correctional center will remain locked down for the duration of the search.

According to the DOC, the planned searches are an integral part of keeping correctional facilities safe for staff, inmates and volunteers.

"This type of search is done from time to time at the request of the Superintendent based upon the operational needs of the facility," a DOC spokesperson said in a statement.

The lock down and search is related to the death of former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez, according to officials.

Hernandez was found hanged in his cell at the facility last week, days after being acquitted in a double murder. He had been in Zouza-Baranowski on a seperate murder charge.

Cox Media Group