Dennis Hernandez, the troubled brother of late New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez, pleaded guilty on Wednesday in federal court to making threats against the University of Connecticut and three out-of-state individuals.
Dennis John Hernandez, also known as “DJ Hernandez” and “Jonathan Hernandez,” 38, of Bristol, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to transmitting interstate communications containing a threat to injure, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
On July 6 and 7, 2023, Hernandez reportedly made multiple statements to an individual on Facebook Messenger threatening to carry out a shooting at UConn, court records show. Hernandez played on the UConn football team from 2004-08 as a quarterback and wide receiver.
According to court records, the messages read, “I would recommend remaining away from there because when I go I’m taking down everything And don’t give a f— who gets caught in the crossfire. I’ve died for years now and now it’s others people turn. I’m prepared to give my life. So if I don’t get to see you on the outside know I love you always. Not all shootings are bad I’m realizing. Some are necessary for change to happen.”
Hernandez’s car was allegedly seen on UConn’s campus on July 7, court records show.
Court records show that Hernandez was struggling financially and frustrated at seeing other people get hired as football coaches and felt owed by UConn, according to the Associated Press.
He also reportedly drove to Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, where he was once its quarterbacks coach, to “map the schools out” for a shooting, according to court records.
On July 18 and 19, 2023, Hernandez made multiple Facebook posts “threatening to harm or kill three individuals who reside out of state, including a state court judge,” officials said.
During a text message conversation with one of the individuals on July 19, 2023, Hernandez reportedly said, “We’re taking lives if s— isn’t paid up. It’s been years in planning just taking notes, names and locations. They talked their way into this and it’s almost point game. I know we don’t play in my family. If we have to take lives or buildings we will. So just letting you know so you can be prepared for a media circus one way or another.”
Hernandez is also facing state charges in connection with an incident at ESPN’s headquarters in Bristol. On March 2023, he was arrested on breach of peace charges after police allege that he threw a bag containing a brick and a note over a fence and onto ESPN’s property.
“To all media outlets, It’s about time you all realize the effect media has on all family members. Since you’re a world wide leader maybe you could lead how media and messages are delivered brick by brick. Clean it up! Yours truly, Dennis J. Hernandez,” the note said, according to police.
Authorities allege that Hernandez was angry with people he thought were profiting off the death of his younger brother. Aaron Hernandez killed himself in 2017 while serving a murder sentence.
Hernandez faces a maximum of five years in federal prison during his sentencing on Feb. 6, 2025. He has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on July 19, 2023.
After his arrest last year, Terri Hernandez, Dennis Hernandez’s mother, told police he had deteriorating mental health problems including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, according to the Associated Press. Dennis Hernandez was tased and taken into custody after he came out of his sister’s house reportedly yelling “shoot me” and threatening to harm officers, police said.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
