The case of Dennis "DJ" Hernandez, the older brother of late NFL star Aaron Hernandez, took a grave turn this month as DJ was sentenced for making alarming threats against his community. Following his July 2023 arrest, DJ faced serious charges after he issued online threats to kill or harm individuals, including comments about carrying out a shooting at the University of Connecticut.
On February 7, 2024, U.S. District Judge Sarala Nagala handed down DJ’s sentence of 18 months, which he had already served, along with three years of supervised release. Besides the incarceration, DJ is mandated to continue treatment for mental health and substance abuse issues, and he must allow probation officers to monitor his electronic devices. The recklessness of DJ’s statements leading to his arrest has raised concerns among law enforcement and community members alike.
The charges against DJ stemmed from several Facebook posts made just days before his detention, which included menacing messages targeting specific individuals. One of the more chilling comments read, "I would recommend remaining away from there because when I go I’m taking down everything. And don’t give a f--- who gets caught in the crossfire.” These intimidating messages led investigators to connect him to UConn's campus, and authorities acted swiftly after being alerted to his threats.
DJ's woes come against the backdrop of the appalling suicide of his younger brother, Aaron Hernandez, who was found dead by hanging at the age of 27, just days after being acquitted of double murder charges. Aaron had been serving life without parole after being convicted of killing Odin Lloyd in 2013 and was battling severe mental health issues, exacerbated by the pressures of fame and infamy.
During Aaron's traumatic time leading up to his death, there were indications of his despondency. A jailhouse friend claimed Aaron hinted at suicidal thoughts just weeks before he took his life. "I think I'm going to hang it up," Aaron wrote to his friend Kyle Kennedy during his trial for the Boston killings, sparking concern among those who knew him. This was reported by Lawrence Army Jr., attorney for Kennedy.
Following Aaron’s tragic demise, many have pondered how the Hernandez family has been affected by the monumental struggles each brother faced. DJ, who has now been connected to mental illness and threatening behavior, has also seen his public image tarnished amid these revelations. It is hard to overlook how both brothers experienced significant trauma and turmoil during their lives. After Aaron's death, DJ faced scrutiny as observers remarked on the cyclical nature of their familial challenges.
Similar struggles are echoed in the media, with numerous representations of the Hernandez brothers, including recent portrayals on FX's miniseries, American Sports Story, which elaborated on their lives, the pressures of sports stardom, and the devastating consequences of their actions. The show cast actors Josh Andrés Rivera and Ean Castellanos to portray Aaron and DJ, respectively, and it examined the broader narrative of fame, mental health, and family tragedies.
DJ has not only faced legal challenges but is also struggling with the legacy of his brother's infamous narrative. While he has been released from custody following his sentencing, it will remain to be seen how DJ will navigate life with the knowledge of his brother’s fate and the responsibility of his own actions weighing heavily on him.
Tragically, DJ’s story intertwines with Aaron's deeply affecting legacy, underscoring the dangers associated with untreated mental health issues, especially within highly publicized and pressured lives like those of the Hernandez brothers. The combination of Aaron's hints of desperation and DJ’s violent threats creates a cautionary tale about the long-lasting effects of trauma, illness, and the sometimes devastating consequences of life under the spotlight.
Community reactions to DJ's threats have brought renewed calls for attention to mental health resources, particularly within families facing similar strains. It evokes questions about the stigmas surrounding mental health and the urgent need to encourage open dialogues and support structures to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.
Looking forward, both DJ and those who followed their story will need guidance and support as they deal with the fallout from their events. Their legacy as brothers is tarnished but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, mental health awareness, and the urgent assistance needed for those wrestling with inner demons.