Aaron Hernandez’s brother pleads guilty to threats against UConn

Dennis Hernandez, the troubled brother of late New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez, pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to making threats against the University of Connecticut and three people out of state.

Dennis John Hernandez, also known as “DJ Hernandez” and “Jonathan Hernandez,” 38, of Bristol, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty to interstate communications before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford that contained a threat of harm, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Hernandez reportedly made multiple statements to an individual on Facebook Messenger on July 6 and July 7, 2023, threatening to carry out a shooting at UConn, court records show. Hernandez played quarterback and wide receiver on the UConn football team from 2004 to 2008.

According to court documents, the messages said: “I would recommend staying away from there because if I go I will tear everything down. And it doesn’t matter who gets caught in the crossfire.” I’ve been dying for years now and now it’s other people’s turn. I am ready to give my life. So when I don’t see you from the outside, I know that I always love you. I realize that not all shootings are bad. Some are necessary for change to take place.”

Hernandez’s car was allegedly seen on the UConn campus on July 7, court records show.

Court records show that Hernandez was struggling financially and frustrated that other people were being hired as football coaches and that he felt an obligation to UConn, according to the Associated Press.

He also reportedly drove to Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, where he was once the quarterbacks coach, to “plan the schools for a shooting,” according to court documents.

On July 18 and 19, 2023, Hernandez made several Facebook posts in which he “threatened to harm or kill three people living out of state, including a state court judge,” officials said.

During a text message conversation with one of the people on July 19, 2023, Hernandez reportedly said, “We take lives if the money isn’t paid.” It took years just taking notes, planning names and locations. They talked their way into it and it’s almost a point game. I know we don’t play in my family. If we have to destroy lives or buildings, we will. Just letting you know so you can be prepared for a media circus one way or another.”

Hernandez also faces state charges in connection with an incident at ESPN headquarters in Bristol. In March 2023, he was arrested for breach of peace after police say he threw a bag containing a brick and a piece of paper over a fence and onto ESPN property.

“To all media representatives: It is time for you all to realize the impact media has on all family members. Since you are a global leader, perhaps you could lead the way media and messages are delivered brick by brick. Clean up! Sincerely, Dennis J. Hernandez,” the note said, according to police.

Authorities allege Hernandez was angry at people he believed were profiting from his younger brother’s death. Aaron Hernandez took his own life in 2017 while serving a murder sentence.

Hernandez faces a maximum of five years in federal prison during his sentencing on February 6, 2025. He has been in custody since his arrest on related state charges on July 19, 2023.

After his arrest last year, Dennis Hernandez’s mother, Terri Hernandez, told police that he was suffering from deteriorating mental health problems, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, according to the Associated Press. Dennis Hernandez was tasered and taken into custody after he came out of his sister’s house and reportedly yelled “shoot me” and threatened to harm officers, police said.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Originally published: December 18, 2024 at 5:13 pm EST