HARTFORD, CT — The brother of former New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez is facing charges of interstate threatening and stalking offenses for allegedly plotting a school shooting at the University of Connecticut.
The former Huskies football player was arraigned Friday afternoon after allegedly making statements threatening a shooting at UConn to his girlfriend through Facebook Messenger, according to the US Attorney’s Office. Hernandez also allegedly traveled to UConn to “map” the school out, according to court documents.
On July 6 and July 7, Hernandez allegedly sent the following message over Facebook to the 35-year-old woman Bristol, Conntecticut police records indicate he had been “dating for quite some time”:
“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. I’ve died for years now and now it’s others people turn. I’m prepared to give my life. So if I don’t get to see you on the outside know I love you always Not all shootings are bad I’m realizing. Some are necessary for change to happen.”
Hernandez’s ex-girlfriend also told police that he failed to appear in court on charges related to throwing a brick at the ESPN campus on July 7 and instead went to UConn and Rhode Island’s Brown University and “went into a number of classrooms and buildings. Hernandez also allegedly stated that he had a “bullet for everyone.”
Hernandez’s arrest came after a number of people, including his girlfriend, recently came forward and reported to police that the former UConn football player had been “displaying very erratic behavior,” documents from Bristol, Connecticut police indicate.
In a separate threatening text message, Hernandez is said to have stated, “UConn program is going to pay unless I have a package deal and I get my estate and every single thing I have worked for. The coaches and university officials want to be selfish and selective about s***, well I am too. Very. They are going to get surprised. Love you, I would recommend remaining away from there because when I go I’m taking down everything and I don’t give a [expletive] who gets caught in the crossfire. I’ve died for [years] now and now its other peoples turn. I’m prepared to give my life so if I don’t get to see you on the outside know I love you always. Not all shootings are bad I’m realizing. Some are necessary for change to happen.”
Hernandez is also accused of threatening to harm or kill three people who live outside of Connecticut.
On July 19 Hernandez allegedly texted one of the victims: “We’re taking lives if s--- isn’t paid up. It’s been years in planning just taking notes, names and locations. They talked their way into this and it’s almost point game. I know we don’t play in my family. If we have to take lives or buildings we will. So just letting you know so you can be prepared for a media circus one way or another.”
Each charge carries a maximum imprisonment sentence of 5 years, according to the US Attorney’s Office.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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