D.J. Hernandez breakdown sparked by being recognized as Aaron’s brother

Aaron Hernandez’s older brother is facing a slew of charges after a mental health crisis sparked by being recognized as a relative of the late football star-turned-killer, police say.

Dennis John “D.J.” Hernandez “became extremely upset” when he believed he’d been ID’d as Aaron’s brother at Misquamicut Beach in Rhode Island July 3, Bristol Police Patrolman Zachary Levine testified in court Tuesday, according to WFSB.

“His mental health has deteriorated since then,” Levine said.

The former University of Connecticut football standout, 37, was in New Bristol Superior Court on charges of threatening and for breach of peace related to a July 19 arrest, WTNH reported.

A female relative reported D.J. to cops after he allegedly threatened his estranged wife’s life — and said he was struggling with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, Levine testified.

Another witness, believed to be D.J.’s ex-girlfriend, subsequently told police he borrowed her car on July 7 to attend a court date — but instead drove to the UConn and Brown campuses to “‘map the schools out’” for shootings, the arrest warrant alleged.

Then on July 19, he allegedly made a series of unsettling posts on social media.

“‘Will I kill? Absolutely. I’ve warned my enemies so pay upfront,’” the last line of one post read.

D.J. pleaded with cops to shoot him when they arrived at his Bristol residence later that day.

He was eventually handcuffed after being subdued by a stun gun, body cam footage shows — and remains in custody.

He did not enter a plea Tuesday.

D.J. also faces federal charges of interstate stalking and transmitting threatening interstate communications related to the alleged threats, WTNH reported.

On Tuesday, the judge extended a protective order barring him from contacting his estranged wife.

The July arrest marked the fourth this year for D.J.; he’s due back in court Aug. 15 on a breach of the peace charge related to allegations he threw a rock at ESPN’s headquarters in May.

The latest court date comes amid a troubling downward spiral for the Hernandez family that began when the UConn star’s younger brother — New England Patriots’ player Aaron — was arrested for murder in 2013.

On April 19, 2017, while facing both a life without parole sentence and accusations of involvement in other slayings, Aaron took his own life in his prison cell.

In a 2018 memoir, D.J. alleged both brothers had endured physical abuse by their father.