BRISTOL, Conn. (WTNH) — Dennis “DJ” Hernandez pleaded guilty on Wednesday to making threats against UConn, according to the Department of Justice.
Hernandez, 38, who is the brother of late New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez, allegedly made multiple statements on Facebook Messenger in July 2023 threatening to carry out a shooting incident at UConn.
Court documents allege his vehicle was identified on UConn's campus on July 7, 2023. He also allegedly made multiple Facebook posts threatening to harm or kill three residents who live out of state.
He pleaded guilty to transmitting interstate communications containing a threat to injure, which carries a maximum sentence of five years. He’s scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 6.
While the specific details of the threats have not been fully disclosed, the case has drawn attention not only because of the seriousness of the allegations but also due to Dennis Hernandez's connection to his late brother, Aaron. The former NFL player died by suicide in 2017 after being convicted of murder.
This incident raises concerns about safety on university campuses and the potential ramifications of online threats, particularly during times of heightened awareness around gun violence.
The case has sparked discussions on how best to address and prevent such threats, especially as the legal system grapples with the balance between free speech and community safety. The sentencing will be closely watched as it will set the tone for how similar cases are handled moving forward.
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