Dennis Hernandez pleads guilty to making threats against UConn and Brown – NBC Connecticut

Dennis “DJ” Hernandez, brother of late NFL player Aaron Hernandez, has pleaded guilty to making threats against the University of Connecticut and Brown University and several individuals last year.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said Hernandez faces up to five years in prison after pleading guilty to transmitting communications that contained a threat of harm.

He is accused of making threats against UConn and Brown, as well as individuals.

The former UConn quarterback was arrested on July 19, 2023, after a victim called Bristol police to say Hernandez’s mental health was deteriorating and that he was planning a school shooting, according to the arrest warrant.

Court documents and statements made in court indicate that on July 6 and 7, 2023, Hernandez communicated with an individual via Facebook Messenger and made several statements threatening a shooting at UConn.

According to the warrant, Hernandez said he went to the University of Connecticut and Brown University to “map the schools” and was planning a school shooting.

In a statement, Hernandez said: “I would recommend staying away from there because if I leave I will ruin everything. And don’t worry about who gets caught in the crossfire,” officials said.

The warrant states that Bristol police notified UConn police of the messages and provided them with information about a vehicle and they were able to locate it on campus on July 7, 2023.

On July 18 and 19, 2023, Hernandez allegedly threatened to harm or kill three people living out of state, including a state court judge, in multiple Facebook posts, according to the DOJ.

In a text message, Hernandez said, “We take lives when shit ain’t paid,” officials said.

Following his arrest on July 19, 2023, Hernandez was taken to New Britain Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation.

He has been in custody since his arrest. Sentencing is scheduled for February 6th.

The FBI and Bristol Police Department are assisting in the investigation.