Douglas K. Sheff, a wrongful death attorney representing Lloyd’s family in their civil suit against Hernandez, said the first thing he did Wednesday morning was call Lloyd’s mother, Ursula Ward. Ward forgave Hernandez after his conviction.

“Ursula Ward is one of the strongest, most resolute, most decent women I have ever known,” said Sheff. “She is also a very religious woman, and relayed to me that this, in her opinion, was God’s will.”