Dennis Hernandez Pleads Guilty to Threatening UConn Shooting

Dennis Hernandez Pleads Guilty to Threatening UConn Shooting \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Dennis Hernandez, brother of late NFL star Aaron Hernandez, pleaded guilty to federal charges of threatening to carry out a shooting at the University of Connecticut and harm three individuals, including a judge, in 2023. Hernandez, 38, faces up to five years in prison for transmitting interstate threats and is set to be sentenced in February 2024. His legal troubles, fueled by deteriorating mental health, include prior incidents involving ESPN headquarters.

Dennis Hernandez Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges: Quick Looks

• Dennis Hernandez admitted to threatening violence at UConn and against three individuals outside Connecticut.
• Hernandez, 38, faces up to five years in prison for federal charges of transmitting interstate threats.
• Mental health struggles, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, were cited by his family.
• In 2023, Hernandez allegedly planned shootings at UConn and Brown University, his former football coaching site.
• Hernandez’s prior legal troubles include a 2023 incident at ESPN headquarters involving a brick and a note.

Deep Look

Dennis Hernandez, the elder brother of former New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to charges of transmitting interstate communications containing threats to harm others. Hernandez, 38, admitted to making threats targeting the University of Connecticut and three individuals, including a judge, in July 2023. He now faces up to five years in prison when he is sentenced in February 2024.

Threats to UConn and Others

According to prosecutors, Hernandez issued a series of chilling messages in July 2023 threatening a shooting at UConn’s main campus in Storrs. In one Facebook message cited in court documents, Hernandez wrote:

“I would recommend remaining away from there because when I go I’m taking down everything. … Not all shootings are bad I’m realizing. Some are necessary for change to happen.”

Prosecutors allege Hernandez drove to UConn and Brown University in Rhode Island to “map the schools out” as part of his plans. Both schools held significance for Hernandez, as he had played football at UConn in the mid-2000s and later worked as a quarterbacks coach at Brown.

In addition to the threats against UConn, Hernandez used social media to post threats targeting three individuals outside Connecticut, including a state court judge.

Mental Health Struggles and Arrest

Hernandez’s family has pointed to his deteriorating mental health as a key factor in his behavior. His mother, Terri Hernandez, told authorities that Dennis struggled with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Hernandez was arrested in July 2023 outside his sister’s home in Bristol, Connecticut, after he confronted officers while yelling, “Shoot me!” and threatening harm. Police used a stun gun to subdue him.

“He’s someone dealing with deep mental health issues,” one law enforcement source said.

Prior Incident at ESPN Headquarters

Hernandez also faces pending state charges stemming from a March 2023 incident at ESPN headquarters in Bristol. According to police, Hernandez threw a bag containing a brick and a note onto ESPN property before leaving.

The note appeared to be a critique of media outlets profiting from his younger brother Aaron’s tragic legacy.

“To all media outlets, It’s about time you all realeyes the affect media has on all family members. … Clean it up! Yours truly, Dennis J. Hernandez.”

Police said Hernandez’s anger was fueled by frustration over the media’s focus on his late brother, who died by suicide in 2017 while serving a life sentence for murder.

A Troubled Connection to Aaron Hernandez

The tragic story of Aaron Hernandez has cast a long shadow over his family. Once a rising NFL star, Aaron was convicted in 2015 for the murder of Odin Lloyd and later died by suicide in prison. The high-profile case drew intense media scrutiny, which Dennis Hernandez has openly resented.

Dennis, who went by “DJ” during his college football career at UConn, was reportedly close to Aaron and struggled to cope with the aftermath of his brother’s legal troubles and death.

Legal and Financial Troubles

Court filings suggest that Dennis Hernandez was dealing with financial difficulties and frustrations over missed career opportunities, including a desire to return to football coaching. This, coupled with his mental health issues, created a volatile situation that culminated in the July 2023 threats.

Despite his guilty plea, Hernandez has not publicly addressed the allegations. His public defender declined to comment, and his mother refused to speak about the case.

Federal Sentencing and Future Proceedings

Hernandez faces up to five years in federal prison for transmitting interstate threats. His sentencing is scheduled for February 6, 2024, in Hartford. Legal experts say the court may weigh his mental health struggles when determining his sentence.

Additionally, Hernandez’s state charges related to the ESPN incident remain unresolved. Authorities expect those proceedings to resume after his federal sentencing.

Conclusion

Dennis Hernandez’s guilty plea brings to light a troubled individual grappling with mental health challenges, financial difficulties, and the shadow of his late brother’s tragic legacy. While his threats posed a serious risk to public safety, his case underscores the broader challenges of addressing mental health issues within the criminal justice system. As Hernandez awaits sentencing, his story serves as a sobering reminder of how personal struggles can escalate into dangerous actions.

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