Dennis John Hernandez, also known as DJ Hernandez and Jonathan Hernandez, has pleaded guilty to making interstate threats. The 38-year-old from Bristol waived his right to be indicted and entered the plea before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford.
Court documents reveal that on July 6 and 7, 2023, Hernandez used Facebook Messenger to communicate threats of a shooting at the University of Connecticut (UConn). His messages included statements such as, “I would recommend remaining away from there because when I go I’m taking down everything... Not all shootings are bad I’m realizing. Some are necessary for change to happen.”
Hernandez's vehicle was reportedly seen on UConn’s campus on July 7. Later, on July 18 and 19, he made Facebook posts threatening harm or death to three individuals residing out of state, including a state court judge. In a text message exchange with one victim on July 19, Hernandez wrote about plans involving taking lives or buildings.
Hernandez admitted guilt to transmitting interstate communications containing a threat to injure, which could result in up to five years in prison. Sentencing is set for February 6.
Since his arrest on related state charges on July 19, Hernandez has been detained. The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bristol Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel is prosecuting the case.