Dennis Hernandez, the older brother of late NFL star Aaron Hernandez, has pleaded guilty to threatening violence against three individuals and planning a shooting at the University of Connecticut (UConn), where he once played football.
The 38-year-old appeared in federal court in Hartford, Connecticut, on Wednesday to admit to charges of transmitting interstate communications containing threats to injure, a felony that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Hernandez’s sentencing is scheduled for February 6.
Threats Against UConn and Others
Prosecutors detailed how Hernandez used Facebook to make alarming threats against UConn’s main campus in Storrs in July 2023. In a series of messages, he expressed frustration and a willingness to resort to violence.
“I would recommend remaining away from there because when I go, I’m taking down everything,” Hernandez wrote, according to court documents. “And don’t give a (expletive) 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. … Not all shootings are bad I’m realizing. Some are necessary for change to happen.”
Hernandez also made multiple Facebook posts threatening harm to three individuals who lived outside Connecticut, including a state court judge.
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Mental Health Struggles and Arrest
Dennis Hernandez’s public defender did not comment on his behalf, and his mother, Terri Hernandez, declined to speak about the case. However, Terri had previously told police that her son struggled with severe mental health issues, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
In July 2023, police arrested Hernandez after he made his threats against UConn and Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, where he had once served as quarterbacks coach. Law enforcement revealed that Hernandez had driven to both campuses to “map the schools out” in preparation for a potential shooting.
Hernandez’s arrest involved a standoff at his sister’s house in Bristol, Connecticut. Police said he exited the home with his arms raised, shouting “shoot me” and threatening officers. They ultimately subdued him with a stun gun.
Financial and Emotional Turmoil
Court filings describe Hernandez as struggling financially and professionally, harboring frustration over not being hired as a football coach and feeling a sense of entitlement from UConn due to his past as a player. Hernandez had been a quarterback and wide receiver for the Huskies during his collegiate career.
His financial struggles and deteriorating mental health were compounded by his resentment toward individuals and organizations he believed were profiting from his younger brother Aaron Hernandez’s infamy and death. This frustration boiled over in March 2023, when Dennis Hernandez was arrested for throwing a bag containing a brick and a note onto the property of ESPN’s headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut.
“To all media outlets,” the note read, “It’s about time you all realeyes the affect media has on all family members. Since you’re a worldwide leader, maybe you could lead how media and messages are delivered brick by brick. Clean it up! Yours truly, Dennis J. Hernandez.”
Tragic Family History
The Hernandez family has been plagued by tragedy, most notably the downfall of Aaron Hernandez, a former New England Patriots star. Aaron Hernandez was convicted of the 2013 murder of Odin Lloyd and was serving a life sentence when he died by suicide in 2017. His death came just days after being acquitted in a separate double murder case.
After Aaron’s death, doctors revealed that he had advanced chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repetitive head trauma. CTE, which has been diagnosed in over 100 former NFL players, can cause memory loss, depression, paranoia, and suicidal tendencies. Aaron also battled severe drug addiction and paranoia during his life.
Dennis Hernandez’s actions and mental health struggles appear to echo the trauma and instability that marked his younger brother’s life. Authorities have suggested that his anger over the exploitation of Aaron’s story and legacy contributed to his erratic behavior and threats.
A Troubling Legacy
The Hernandez family’s story is one of immense talent overshadowed by tragedy, mental health struggles, and violence. Dennis Hernandez’s guilty plea highlights the continued fallout from a family history marked by fame, scandal, and loss.
As Dennis awaits sentencing, his case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues, particularly in families already grappling with trauma. Meanwhile, the legal consequences of his actions bring another chapter of turmoil to the Hernandez family legacy.
