Dennis Hernandez Sentenced for UConn Shooting Threats

Dennis Hernandez, the brother of late NFL player Aaron Hernandez, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, already served, for making threats to carry out a shooting at the University of Connecticut and to kill three individuals, including a judge. The 38-year-old Hernandez communicated his threats via Facebook in July 2023, expressing a willingness to cause harm and stating that some shootings are 'necessary for change to happen.' He has been required to continue mental health and substance abuse treatment during his three years of supervised release and must allow monitoring of his electronic devices. Hernandez, who was a former football player for UConn, pleaded guilty to transmitting interstate communications containing a threat to injure. His public defender noted that he was suffering from severe mental health issues at the time of the incidents and has since been receiving treatment. Additional state charges related to his actions are expected to be dismissed as part of the federal case.