Dino Guilmette is a Rhode Island businessman and former amateur boxer whose personal life has brought him considerable public attention. He is particularly known for his relationship with Shayanna Jenkins, the former fiancée of the late NFL player Aaron Hernandez, and for being the father of their daughter, Giselle. His connection to the Jenkins-Hernandez family has made him a subject of interest well beyond his business and boxing background.
In recent years, Guilmette has received additional attention because of his connection to The Real Housewives of Rhode Island and an ongoing criminal case in Rhode Island. Reports in 2026 said he rejected a plea offer and elected to continue fighting the charges in court. Because the case remains unresolved, the allegations against him should be treated as accusations, not proven facts.
Dino Guilmette: Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dino Joseph Guilmette |
| Date of Birth | August 11, 1978 |
| Age (2026) | 48 years old |
| Birthplace | Cranston, Rhode Island, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Heritage | Italian-American, according to biographical reports |
| Height | About 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Weight | Reported around 154 lbs (70 kg) |
| Hair Color | Dark brown |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Father | William Guilmette |
| Mother | Donna Guilmette |
| Siblings | Reportedly eight siblings |
| Education | MBA in Finance, University of Rhode Island |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, bar owner, former amateur boxer |
| Boxing Background | Amateur boxing |
| Relationship Status | Publicly linked to Shayanna Jenkins |
| Children | Daughter Giselle; daughter Mia from a previous relationship; stepdaughter Avielle Hernandez |
| Known For | Relationship with Shayanna Jenkins, connection to the Hernandez family, amateur boxing, business ventures and The Real Housewives of Rhode Island |
| Residence | Rhode Island, USA |
Who is Dino Guilmette?
Dino Guilmette is a Rhode Island businessman and former amateur boxer who spent much of his adult life outside the national spotlight. Born on August 11, 1978, in Cranston, Rhode Island, he developed interests in both sports and business before becoming known publicly through his relationship with Shayanna Jenkins.
Guilmette reportedly earned an MBA in Finance from the University of Rhode Island, giving him an academic background that complemented his later business activities. He also became involved in amateur boxing and competed in local events rather than pursuing a long-term professional career.
His profile changed considerably after he began dating Jenkins. Because Jenkins had previously been engaged to Aaron Hernandez, Guilmette’s relationship with her attracted media attention. In 2026, his connection to The Real Housewives of Rhode Island added another dimension to his public profile.
Early Life and Background
Growing Up in Rhode Island
Dino Guilmette was born and raised in Cranston, Rhode Island, and has remained closely connected to the state throughout his adult life. His parents are identified in biographical reports as William and Donna Guilmette. Growing up in Rhode Island gave him strong ties to the local community, which later became important to both his business career and his public profile.
Unlike many people who become famous through entertainment or professional sports, Guilmette spent most of his early adulthood living a relatively private life. His interests centered on athletics, education and entrepreneurship. His later appearances in news coverage and reality television were largely the result of circumstances surrounding his personal relationships and legal case.
Family and Personal Background
Guilmette reportedly grew up in a large family with several siblings. His father, William Guilmette, has also appeared in media coverage connected to Dino’s relationship with Shayanna Jenkins. Reports have described the family as supportive of Jenkins and her children.
Guilmette’s family life later expanded through his relationship with Jenkins. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Giselle, while Guilmette also has a daughter from a previous relationship. He has additionally been involved in the life of Avielle Janelle Hernandez, Jenkins’ daughter with Aaron Hernandez.
Much of Guilmette’s private family life has remained away from the cameras. His public profile has generally focused on his relationships, business activities and legal circumstances rather than extensive details about his everyday family life.
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Dino Guilmette’s Career and Boxing Background
His Experience in Amateur Boxing
Boxing became an important part of Guilmette’s life before his name became associated with reality television and national media coverage. He trained at Balletto Gym in Providence and participated in local amateur boxing events. Although he gained recognition within Rhode Island’s boxing community, he did not establish a professional boxing career.
One of his better-known local appearances came in 2017, when he competed against former professional baseball player Louis Savastano in a Rhode Island boxing event. Reports have used different nicknames for Guilmette, so descriptions of his boxing identity should be treated carefully.
For Guilmette, boxing was more than a passing interest. Training and competition became an important part of his athletic background and helped establish his reputation locally. However, the sport remained an amateur pursuit rather than a full-time professional career.
Business Career and Professional Life
Guilmette’s professional life has largely centered on entrepreneurship and self-employment. Public-facing biographical sources identify him as a businessman and bar owner in Rhode Island. His MBA in Finance from the University of Rhode Island also forms an important part of his professional background.
His business activities have generally remained local rather than becoming a large national enterprise. That changed when his personal life began receiving media coverage, bringing greater public interest to his career and financial background.
There are also reports describing additional business and real-estate activities, although detailed information about the extent and current status of those ventures is limited. For that reason, specific claims about his wealth or business holdings should be treated cautiously unless supported by public records.
Dino Guilmette’s Relationship With Shayanna Jenkins
How Dino Guilmette and Shayanna Jenkins Met
Dino Guilmette and Shayanna Jenkins reportedly met through mutual friends in 2017, after Jenkins’ relationship with Aaron Hernandez had ended with Hernandez’s death. Their relationship became publicly known when Jenkins announced her pregnancy the following year.
Guilmette’s relationship with Jenkins attracted attention because of her history with Hernandez. Rather than being connected to Hernandez through a family relationship, Guilmette’s connection to the former NFL player developed primarily through Jenkins and their children. Some reports have also said the two men played football at the University of Florida, although details surrounding Guilmette’s time there are not consistently documented.
Their relationship has largely remained private despite the attention surrounding their family. Both Guilmette and Jenkins have generally kept their children’s lives away from extensive public exposure.
Their Children and Family Life
Guilmette and Jenkins welcomed their daughter, Giselle Guilmette, on June 16, 2018, in Rhode Island. Her birth came a little more than a year after Aaron Hernandez died in prison in April 2017. Guilmette also has a daughter named Mia from a previous relationship and has been part of the life of Avielle Janelle Hernandez, Shayanna’s daughter with Aaron Hernandez, who was born on November 6, 2012.
Through his relationship with Jenkins, Guilmette has taken on an important role within their blended family. The three girls have been described as sharing a close bond, while Guilmette and Jenkins have generally tried to keep their children away from unnecessary media attention. Despite the public interest surrounding their family, they have maintained a relatively private approach to raising the children.
Guilmette has also appeared to place importance on giving his family a sense of normalcy. Rather than making his children part of his public profile, he has kept much of their personal life private. This approach allows the family to maintain boundaries while dealing with the attention that comes from Guilmette’s relationship with Jenkins and the family’s connection to Aaron Hernandez.
Dino Guilmette’s Connection to Aaron Hernandez
Dino Guilmette’s connection to Aaron Hernandez comes primarily through Shayanna Jenkins. Jenkins was Hernandez’s longtime fiancée and the mother of his daughter, Avielle. After Hernandez’s death in 2017, Jenkins later began a relationship with Guilmette, and the couple welcomed Giselle in 2018.
Some biographical reports have stated that Guilmette and Hernandez played football at the University of Florida. However, details about Guilmette’s college football career are not consistently documented across available sources, so this part of his biography should be presented as reported rather than as an extensively established fact.
Guilmette has also spoken publicly about Hernandez in the context of his relationship with Jenkins and their children. His connection to the Hernandez family has remained one of the main reasons his personal life attracts public interest.
Importantly, Guilmette was not a member of Hernandez’s immediate family. His connection developed through Jenkins and the children they share within their blended family.
Dino Guilmette and the Real Housewives of Rhode Island
Dino Guilmette appeared during the first season of “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island” at a house party hosted by Liz McGraw and her husband, Gerry McGraw. Liz described Guilmette as a close friend she had known for years, and his name came up several times during the season. His connection to the couple later received additional attention because of his appearance in Rhode Island Superior Court.
Guilmette’s friendship with the McGraws has become part of the broader public discussion surrounding the reality series. According to a 2021 affidavit filed by Rhode Island State Police Detective Matthew Lynch, Liz and Gerry McGraw were identified as associates of Guilmette in connection with an investigation involving an application to wiretap his phone. Separate court documents have also referenced connections between Guilmette and the McGraws, who are associated with the Slater Compassion Center, a retail cannabis business in Providence.
Liz McGraw did not return for the show’s second season, but her longstanding friendship with Guilmette has continued to attract attention. In comments to The Providence Journal, Guilmette acknowledged that he is friends with the McGraws. His appearance on the reality series has brought additional public interest to his personal relationships, particularly as his name has also appeared in coverage of ongoing legal proceedings.
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What Is Known About Dino Guilmette Today?
In 2026, Guilmette’s legal situation became one of the most significant parts of his public profile. Reports said he was facing multiple felony charges stemming from a Rhode Island case that dates back to 2022. The allegations have included drug-related offenses and other charges, with details reported differently across outlets.
In June 2026, Guilmette reportedly rejected a plea offer and chose to continue the case toward trial. His defense has maintained his innocence. Because the case has not resulted in a final conviction, the charges should be described as allegations, and any discussion of potential penalties should not be presented as an outcome.
The case has also attracted attention because of its connections to people in Guilmette’s social and business circle. Investigative documents discussed by Rhode Island media have included references to his communications and relationships with other individuals. Such documents represent investigative material and allegations, not necessarily findings of guilt.
As of 2026, Guilmette therefore remains a private Rhode Island businessman whose public profile has expanded through his family connections, reality television exposure and unresolved legal proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Dino Guilmette?
Dino Guilmette is a Rhode Island businessman and former amateur boxer from Cranston. He became widely known through his relationship with Shayanna Jenkins, his connection to the Hernandez family and, more recently, his association with The Real Housewives of Rhode Island.
2. What is Dino Guilmette known for?
Guilmette is known for his background in amateur boxing and business, his relationship with Shayanna Jenkins, his connection to Aaron Hernandez’s family and his appearance on The Real Housewives of Rhode Island. His ongoing Rhode Island legal case has also generated significant media attention.
3. Does Dino Guilmette have children?
Yes. Public biographical reports identify Guilmette as the father of Giselle, his daughter with Shayanna Jenkins, and Mia, his daughter from a previous relationship. He is also part of the family life of Avielle Janelle Hernandez, Jenkins’ daughter with Aaron Hernandez.
4. Who is Dino Guilmette’s partner?
Dino Guilmette has been publicly linked to Shayanna Jenkins. The two began their relationship around 2017 and welcomed their daughter Giselle in 2018. Their exact current marital status has not been clearly established in public reporting.
5. What is Dino Guilmette’s connection to Aaron Hernandez?
Guilmette is connected to Aaron Hernandez through Shayanna Jenkins, who was Hernandez’s former fiancée. Guilmette is the father of Jenkins’ second daughter, Giselle, and is also part of the blended family that includes Hernandez’s daughter Avielle. Some reports have also linked the two men through the University of Florida, although details about Guilmette’s college football history are not consistently documented.
6. What charges is Dino Guilmette facing in 2026?
Guilmette has been reported as facing multiple felony charges in Rhode Island, including allegations involving drug-related offenses and other conduct. The case remains unresolved, so these charges should not be treated as proven wrongdoing.
7. Why did Dino Guilmette reject the plea deal?
According to reporting on the case, Guilmette rejected a plea offer while maintaining his innocence through his defense team. He chose to continue fighting the case rather than resolve it through the proposed agreement. The final reasons for his legal strategy are best attributed to his defense rather than assumed independently.
8. Is Dino Guilmette on “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island”?
Guilmette has appeared in connection with the first season of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island, particularly through his friendship with Liz and Gerry McGraw. He is not generally described as one of the show’s primary housewives or main cast members.
9. Where is Dino Guilmette now?
As of 2026, Guilmette remains based in Rhode Island and continues to deal with his unresolved legal case. His name has also remained in the public conversation because of his family connection to Shayanna Jenkins and his association with The Real Housewives of Rhode Island.
What does Dino Guilmette do for a living?
Guilmette has been described as an entrepreneur and businessman with involvement in local business ventures, including bar ownership. He also has a background in amateur boxing and holds an MBA in Finance.
Conclusion
Dino Guilmette’s life has developed across several different areas, from Rhode Island amateur boxing and entrepreneurship to family life and reality television. For years, he maintained a relatively low public profile, but his relationship with Shayanna Jenkins brought him into the broader story surrounding Aaron Hernandez and the Hernandez family.
His appearance around The Real Housewives of Rhode Island created another source of public attention, while his ongoing legal proceedings have made his name increasingly visible in Rhode Island news. Those proceedings remain unresolved, and the allegations against him should be distinguished from established facts.
For now, Guilmette’s story remains a combination of business, athletics, family and public scrutiny. His future will depend in part on the outcome of his pending legal case, while his family relationships and Rhode Island roots continue to be central parts of his public profile.
