Dennis “DJ” Hernandez, the brother of late NFL star and convicted murderer Aaron Hernandez, pleaded guilty on Wednesday in federal court to making threats against the University of Connecticut and three out-of-state individuals.
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.
According to the documents, 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–k 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.
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 of that year, Hernandez reportedly said, “We’re taking lives if s–t isn’t paid up. It’s been years in planning just taking notes, names and locations. … 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 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.
