Aaron Hernandez -- GUILTY OF 1ST DEGREE MURDER

Aaron Hernandez has just been found guilty of 1st degree murder in the killing of semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd ... and has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Several people inside the courtroom began crying as the verdict was read ... including Aaron's fiancee and mother.

As the verdict was read, Hernandez was shaking his head in disbelief. At one point, Hernandez turned to his fiancee and mouthed the words, "Be strong."

25-year-old Hernandez -- a former superstar tight end for the New England Patriots -- killed Lloyd on June 17th, 2013. Lloyd was shot 6 times.

Aaron was also found guilty of illegal gun possession and illegal ammunition possession.

After sentencing in the Lloyd case, Hernandez will still stand trial in the shooting deaths of two people in Boston in 2012. That trial is scheduled to begin in May.

8:47 AM PT -- Hernandez has been ordered to serve time at MCI Cedar Junction at Walpole -- which is just under 4 miles from the stadium where the Patriots play.

8:39 AM PT -- Hernandez has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

8:18 AM PT -- Odin Lloyd's mother Ursula Ward is now addressing the court -- and explaining how Hernandez destroyed her life.

"I felt like I wanted to go into that hole with my son."

"I miss my baby boy Odin so much. But I know I will see him again some day. At that gives me the strength to go on."