Sun Feb 09 13:20:00 UTC 2025: **Brother of Aaron Hernandez Sentenced for Threatening Mass Shooting at UConn**

HARTFORD, CT – Dennis Hernandez, brother of the late NFL player Aaron Hernandez, was sentenced to time served – 18 months – on Friday for making threats to carry out a shooting at the University of Connecticut (UConn) and kill three individuals, including a judge. The 38-year-old, who played football at UConn, pleaded guilty in December to transmitting interstate communications containing threats.

According to his public defender, Josh Ewing, Hernandez was experiencing severe mental health issues at the time of the threats in July 2023. He has since received treatment and is on medication. U.S. District Judge Sarala Nagala also imposed a three-year supervised release, requiring continued mental health and substance abuse treatment, electronic device monitoring, and avoidance of UConn and other threatened locations. Hernandez, who apologized in court, was released from custody Friday afternoon.

The threats included plans to target UConn and Brown University, where Hernandez had worked as a quarterbacks coach. Court documents indicate financial struggles and frustration over coaching opportunities contributed to his actions. He also made Facebook posts threatening three individuals, one of whom was a state court judge. Police reports detailed his arrest, which involved him emerging from his sister’s home with arms raised, yelling, and threatening officers. His mother reported his deteriorating mental health, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Pending state charges in Connecticut and Florida, including allegations related to an incident at ESPN headquarters, are expected to be dropped due to the federal case. Numerous letters from family and friends supported Hernandez’s release, citing his remorse and commitment to recovery.

Read More