The investigation found no evidence of criminality in the case. "An exhaustive search and review of the evidence has. Later that day, in another conversation with a male friend in New York City, she said she was planning to die by suicide, Flynn said. There is a possibility that we may never find a body, Flynn said, adding that Dennis may gotten caught in the jagged rocks near Niagara Falls. While the Erie County District Attorneys Office does not typically become involved in missing person cases unless there is evidence of criminality, we assisted in this multi-agency effort to find Saniyya at the request of SUNY Buffalo State College University Police. Flynn did not say what those items were, but said they would make someone believe she wasnt planning to return to her dorm. On the first bus, Flynn said Dennis was alone, but she eventually got onto another bus and got off at a stop near the Niagara Falls Visitor Center. University Police first reported her disappearance on Wednesday and posted her picture on its website and social media pages. The search continues for missing Buffalo State student Saniyya Dennis Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. She also spoke about dying by suicide with a male friend, he added. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, help is available. Missing Buffalo student's family refutes suicide claim by DA February 28, 2023. That evening, Dennis and her friend stayed on the phone together for about four hours. The family told reporters that they were alerted by one of Dennis' friends that she may have gotten on a bus to Niagara Park. But Flynn says her body may not be able to be recovered. Saniyya Dennis, 19, has been missing since Saturday night. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Calvin Byrd, Dennis' father, told NBC affiliate WGRZ that the experience was a "nightmare.". Missing Hopkinton teen found dead in Milford woods "There is a possibility that if we believe what happened happened, we may never find her body," he said. Family of missing Buffalo State student to hold birthday balloon launch John Flynn, the district attorney in Erie County, said officials have not discovered the body of 19-year-old Saniyya Dennis but said "evidence suggests" she took her own life. Julia Stevens, with Allies for Black Justice, organized several search parties in recent days focused on Goat Island, where police said Saniyya's phone last pinged at 1:23 a.m. on April 25, WKBWreported. Saniyya Dennis, 19, is a sophomore who was. The family of Saniyya Dennis, a Buffalo State College sophomore who's been missing for over a week, pleaded with authorities and the public to help them in their search. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Minutes after that, her cell phone left the cellular network, meaning it was either powered off or destroyed. They stopped picking up the scent near Goat Island, Flynn said. Saniyya I. Dennis, a Bronx native, was last seen April. Please enter valid email address to continue. Thats where a search party gathered early Wednesday evening in the latest hopes to find the young woman. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Prosecutors say Dennis' boyfriend was in New York City at the time and is not a suspect. Missing Buffalo State College student presumed dead: DA - New York Post Her family members reported her missing to Buffalo State police on April 26, which prompted a widespread investigation. It was unclear what the personal items were. However, cellphone records showed that to not be true. Authorities are continuing their search for a missing New York college student who disappeared more than a week ago. "My daughter is a Black honor roll student at the college and has no tendency of doing nothing, Calvin Byrd, Dennis father, said. About 11 p.m. Family pleads to police, public for help in finding missing Buffalo This was around 11 p.m. Police say her cell phone was later pinged near Goat Island in Niagara Falls, which is why groups have narrowed their search to that area. In the meantime, volunteers, friends and family have formed search parties to help find Dennis. Saniyya Dennis, 19, was last seen on the SUNY Buffalo State College campus on April 24, the University Police Department (UPD) told CNN. This is not of her nature.. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "She was a good friend, a good person. She then sent a text telling him she planned to kill herself, Flynn said. Understandably, emotions are high right now, but I want to be clear that our department will not rest until Saniyya is found.. Authorities are continuing their search for a missing New York college student who disappeared more than a week ago. About 20 minutes after this, she texted a male friend, and said that she spoke with her mom and was on her way back to Buffalo. Agencies working the case include: New York State Police, NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services Clearinghouse, NYS Park Police, City of Buffalo Police, City of Niagara Falls Police, Erie County Sheriffs Office, Erie Crime Analysis Center, Erie County District Attorneys Office, Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) Police, Niagara Regional Police, Amtrak Police, and the United States Secret Service. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Marianne Williamson opens long shot 2024 challenge, Officials provide update on fatal fire, cause still, Fix it! You can watch DA Flynns full news conference below. Investigators believe that she may need medical attention and may still be in the western New York area or may have traveled to Yonkers, New York, just north of New York City. Investigators initially said Dennis may have been in the Western New York area or traveled to Yonkers, just north of the Bronx. University police are continuing to ask anyone with information to come forward, and Saniyyas family has since offered a $10,000 reward for anything that could help bring her home. As NBC News reports, Erie County District Attorney John Flynn told reporters during a news conference Thursday morning that he believes Dennis, 19, died of suicide. Im so done with my own life, and living it, the text read, according to WIVB. Missing Buffalo State student's parents 'very concerned' about their BUFFALO, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- There's a tragic update on a missing college student from the Bronx. "We combed the whole park, even places where she was nowhere near, putting up flyers," Byrd said on Saturday. 2:18 AM EDT, Mon May 3, 2021. Saniyya Dennis was last seen on April 24. Saniyya Dennis, missing Buffalo State College student, took her own Her boyfriend was in New York City the entire time, and is not considered a suspect in her disappearance. Clothing items, a cell phone was found, a bracelet was found all of these could be the utmost importance because we have absolutely no information on what happened to Saniyya Dennis, added Stevens. University Police has circulated her information statewide to police agencies and hospitals through the New York State Missing Persons Clearinghouse. WSP seeks help finding missing Indigenous woman considered to be at-risk Saniyya Dennis, 19, was last seen on the SUNY Buffalo State College campus on April 24, the. "I would ask that our campus and Western New York community keep her family in your thoughts," she said in a statement. Saniyya was last seen leaving her dorm. Wilson Wong is a culture and trends reporter for NBC News Digital. Dennis had not been in contact with her family, according to Carey. Bloodhounds later picked up the teens scent during an April 30 search on and around Goat Island, Flynn said, where she was seen on video early April 25. or redistributed. NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) People in Western New York are not giving up their search for Saniyya Dennis, the college student who went missing last week. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. "An exhaustive search and review of the evidence has been done and it appears that this poor girl took her own life," Flynn said in a news conference Thursday morning. The day she disappeared,Dennishad an argument with her boyfriend that led to him breaking up with her,Flynnsaid. Vandergrift is a radio host for Wild 94.9, where Yi is a host as well. The Buffalo State College sophomore was last seen leaving her dorm room on April 24th, but. She was last seen. Dennis, 19, was last seen on April 24 leaving her residence hall around 11:30 p.m., according to University Police. Mycalia Raine Wilson was last seen at approximately 11:35 p.m. on Tuesday night at the family home, police said. Dennis parents, multiple agencies and local residents had been involved in anearly two-week searchfor the student. Updated: 11:33 PM EDT May 3, 2021 BUFFALO, N.Y. 2 On Your Side continues to ask the tough questions on the search for Saniyya Dennis, the missing Buffalo State student who hasn't been. This is not of her nature," Saniyyas sister, Keyora Dennis, said at a recent press conference Friday. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) The case of a missing Buffalo State student continues, it's been more than a week since Saniyya Dennis was last seen. We will be out here every single day for you until we find you because you deserve that.. New York authorities are searching for missing Buffalo State - CNN 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. ", Saniyya worked two jobs. She also defended the University Police Chief Peter Carey, saying he and his officers have been working tirelessly to locate Saniyya. A missing New York college student who disappeared last month is believed to have died by suicide, authorities said Thursday. NFTA, Buffalo State Police not releasing NFTA video of Saniyya - WGRZ Why does it take so long to get video footage of buses? (Source: WPXI/ROSS TOWNSHIP POLICE/CNN) The Oscars will air on ABC and can be streamed on ABC.com and the ABC app as well as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV or FuboTV. Buffalo State University Police says. (Courtesy Dennis family) Flynn said on the afternoon of April 24, Dennis got into an argument with her boyfriend in New York City. All rights reserved. Theyve been placing flyers on any available surface and calling for the publics help. Missing Bronx college student Saniyya Dennis (family/officials), by: Lauren Cook, Evan Anstey/WIVB, Mark Sundstrom. Buffalo State remains in close consultation with and is supporting the Dennis family," Carey said in a statement this weekend. A Buffalo State College student missing since last month may have thrown herself from Niagara Falls after her boyfriend broke up with her, authorities said Thursday. At least 12 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, The Saturday Six: Dental device controversy, scientist's bug find and more, Indonesia fuel depot fire kills 18; more than a dozen missing, 3 children killed, 2 others wounded at Texas home, Man charged for alleged involvement in 2 transformer explosions, Nikki Haley slams potential GOP contenders, and Trump and George W. Bush, Duo of 81-year-old women plan to see the world in 80 days, Tom Sizemore, actor known for "Saving Private Ryan" and "Heat," dies at 61, Alex Murdaugh trial: What to know about the double murder case, University Police Department at Buffalo State College, NTSB to investigate in-flight turbulence that left 1 passenger dead, Pittsburgh woman missing for 31 years found alive in Puerto Rico. Police search for missing 15-year-old Hanahan girl THE BRONX, N.Y. The family of Buffalo State College student Saniyya Dennis, who disappeared from campus two weeks ago, released a scathing statement Friday night refuting the local district attorneys assertion that the Bronx teen died by suicide. Published: Mar. BREAKING: Missing Buffalo State student Saniyya Dennis died of suicide An Illinois college student who was last seen leaving a residence on Friday night has been found dead. Officials: Buffalo State College student Saniyya Dennis 'took her own life', U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. There has been no cellphone electronic activity since then and no financial activity or other communication with family or friends, Buffalo State Police Chief Peter Carey said. A 19-year-old SUNY Buffalo State College sophomore has been missing for more than a week, according to the university and her family. Missing Buffalo State Student Saniya Dennis Appears To Have Taken Her The 19-year-old was last seen leaving her dorm late at night on April 24 after having an argument with her boyfriend earlier in the day that led him to break up with her, Flynn said. They asked Flynn not to use to words committed suicide. He slept on it and chose to say Saniyya took her own life.. Dennis texted her mother at Niagara Falls, telling her she would call her the next day, but also sent a message to a friend indicating she wouldnt see him this coming summer, Flynn said. Missing New York College Student Died by Apparent Suicide: Officials She was very focused on her studies, she said. A portion of Rivers Avenue near Hayne Street is blocked off because of the crash . DA: Missing Buff State student appears to have died of suicide - NEWS10 ABC The last time Dennis was seen on video was around 12:17 a.m. She was seen on park cameras on the bridge along Goat Island Road. I commend SUNY Buffalo State College, Buffalo State College University Police, New York State Park Police, Niagara Frontier Transit Authority Police, New York State Police, Mayor Byron Brown, Buffalo Police Department, Niagara County Sheriffs Office, Niagara Regional Police, New York Police Department, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies who have dedicated their time and resources to this ongoing investigation. Our one and only goal in this investigation is to locate Saniyya and reconnect her with her family, UPD Chief Peter Carey said in a statement Saturday. ET, Dennis was seen leaving her dorm room at State University of New York College at Buffalo. Family said she handed in a school assignment before catching a bus to Niagara Falls. "I can't leave if I didn't say I looked at every inch of this park," he told "Good Morning America." Her cellphone last pinged on April 25 at 1:23 a.m. in the area of Goat Island in Niagara Falls State Park, police said. If you or someone you know are struggling with suicidal thoughts,click here for resources. Saniyya Dennis, a 19-year-old sophomore from the Bronx, was last seen leaving her college dorm on April 24. Did you encounter any technical issues? If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide please call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text TALK to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources. "I understand the desire for new details about this case is high, but to ensure the integrity of this multi-agency investigation, we are limited in our ability to share further information at this time.". She also texted her friend, saying she wouldnt see him this summer. "That's a possibility.". The teen spent hours on the phone with Dennis and talked her down from her plan at one point, but she apparently followed through on her threat after hopping on a bus to the Niagara Falls Visitor Center. BUFFALO, N.Y. Nearly two weeks after the disappearance of Buffalo State College student Saniyya Dennis, officials announced Thursday they believe the Bronx teen might have taken her own. DA: Missing Buff State student appears to have died of suicide Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Authorities and volunteer search teams are still franticly searching for 19-year-old Saniyya Dennis. A ping from her cellphone was detected aboute two hours later inNiagara Falls State Park, 17 miles from campus. Around 1:20 a.m, Dennis texted a male friend and lied, saying she had talked to her mother and was on her way back to Buffalo, he said. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A Buffalo State student is still missing, a week after she was last seen on campus. Dennis continued to attempt contacting him, and said she was going to kill herself. She has dark brown hair and brown eyes. Dennis called her boyfriend, who was in New York City at the time, 59 times in the next several hours, but he didnt pick up. Minutes after that text, her cellphone left the cellular network, meaning it was either powered off or destroyed, according to officials. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Saniyya Dennis, a Buffalo State College student, has been missing since she was captured on surveillance video leaving her residence hall on April 24. 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Search continues for missing Buffalo State student Saniyya Dennis A Warner Bros. A Pennsylvania woman who has been missing for more than 30 years is found alive in an adult care home in Puerto Rico. Dennis, a sophomore at Buffalo State College, disappeared after leaving her dorm on April 24. 2023 Cable News Network. New pill cuts cholesterol, heart, In Chicago, adapting electric buses to winters challenges, Global race to boost electric vehicle range in cold, Ohio derailment tests Sen. Browns push to buck Dem, Texas congressman who broke with GOP is censured, Capitol rioter from Buffalo admits to stealing badge, How to donate to the family of the fallen Buffalo, Patriots and Heroes Park vandalized overnight, Questions linger about legal aspects of Main Street, Building that caught fire had expired work permit, First responders honor Firefighter Jason Arno, Buffalo firefighter who died Wednesday identified, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Police search for missing Buffalo State College student The body, believed to be that of a missing Buffalo State College student, was found in a shallow grave Friday morning in a wooded area near Snow's Marina on the Lake Erie shoreline, police said . Mr. Flynn purposefully placed Saniyya in a negative light as though she was a depraved stalker who harassed her boyfriend for attention, the family statement said. Equally, when she did not return to the campus on Saturday, the school bore a responsibility regarding her safety, the familys statement said. "We want to make sure that her face is everywhere," Stevens told ABC Buffalo affiliate WKBW, "that everywhere you go in Niagara Falls you know to look out for this girl.". About 20 minutes later, she texted a male friend, telling him that she spoke with her mom and was on her way back to Buffalo. Buffalo State College Police Chief Peter Carey, told reporters that a K-9 search took place Friday afternoon and due to weather conditions they could not fly a helicopter to help with the search. As a father of five, this is difficult.. May 3 (UPI) --Local, federal and collegiate authorities are ramping up efforts to find a student from New York state who's now been missing for more than a week, officials said Monday.Buffalo . Striking, his post is a screenshot of what is alleged to be a snapchat from Saniyya. I feel awful for the parents, he said. BUFFALO, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- There's a tragic update on a missing college student from the Bronx. Upon careful review and consideration of the allegations presented by District Attorney Flynn regarding the issues surrounding the disappearance of Saniyya Dennis, we respectfully disagree with his presentation and were shocked by his assertion that he shared information with our family regarding her disappearance and his findings of suicide.. Just before the news conference ended, the police acknowledged they had security video from the bus depot that showed Dennis and they were only able to get her cellphone records on April 27. Information can also be shared through the University Police anonymous tip line at (716) 878-3166, or by calling the NYS Missing Persons Clearinghouse at (800) 346-3543, police said. It is unconscionable that he presented a speculative narrative as a factual one by calling a national press conference and falsely asserting he shared his findings with the family.. Market data provided by Factset. Missing Buffalo State College student apparently died by suicide BUFFALO, New York (WABC) -- Police and family are searching for a missing SUNY Buffalo State College student from the Bronx who has been missing for more than a week. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. As she was there, she received a text from a friend telling her to call him or else hell call police. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Around 1 a.m., the teen took a Snapchat selfie near the Nikola Tesla monument with Niagara Falls in the background, according to Flynn. Understandably, emotions are high right now, but I want to be clear that our department will not rest until Saniyya is found," Carey said in an updated statementreleased Saturday, after family expressed frustration about the pace of the investigation. All of this information was provided to Dennis parents on Wednesday afternoon. Heres a list of where to volunteer in NYC: Lex Lumpkin talks about new show The Watchful Eye, Debunking food safety myths with a chefs help, Fun, easy Holi-inspired crafts to try with kids, Spot warning signs of teens declining mental health, Simple spring break cocktails to make at home, Patrick Kane to make Rangers debut against Senators, Rangers KAndre Miller suspended 3 games for spitting, Kane incoming? In fact, we specifically addressed that issue with law enforcement days before Mr. Flynn took over the case, the statement said of the video. "My mother always says shes a creature of habit When she comes to visit my mother in the city or comes to visit our family she lets her know when shes running late or lets her know who shes going to be with, what time she expects to be home.". "We've never had a missing person case such as this we're experiencing now with Ms. Dennis," Carey said. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. She has a good heart.. Warning: The content may be triggering. On Friday at 7 p.m., Mishealia Marie Meredith, 19, of Harrisburg, left a home where she. Katherine Conway-Turner, the president of Buffalo State College, expressed her support to Dennis' friends and family on Thursday. Julia Stevens, who is part of the activist group, Allies for Black Justice, led a search party Friday and distributed posters around the area of the park where the cellphone ping took place. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. No evidence of foul play was immediately detected, the University Police Department (UPD) at Buffalo State College said. Missing SUNY Buffalo State College student Saniyya Dennis. N.Y., federal police search for college student Saniyya Dennis, who Authorities in New York believe that a missing Buffalo State University sophomore took her own life, but investigators have not found Saniyya Dennis' body. Saniyya Dennis: Missing Buffalo State college student from the Bronx . Dennis, 19, was last seen leaving her dorm on April 24. Saniyya Dennis,. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. I feel awful for the parents, he said. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Thursday morning, Erie County District Attorney John Flynn provided an update on the disappearance of Buffalo State College student Saniyya Dennis. What do the orange, green dots on my iPhone mean? "This is not like her. Anyone with information about the search for Vandergrift is asked to call SFPD Tip Line at 415-575 . JSCO says if you see the vehicle or the missing women, then please call or text 911, and any information about their whereabouts should go to ECSO Dispatch at 541-776-7206. For nearly two weeks, search parties have combed through Niagara Falls in the hopes of finding Saniyya Dennis. Carey said during a news conference Friday that investigators have found no cell phone, electronic or financial activity since Dennis disappeared. Officials are asking anyone with information regarding the investigation to contact the University Police Department at Buffalo State College. She may be caught in the jagged rocks there.". "Looking at Niagara Falls, the area is just filled with rocks," he said. Buffalo State University and its police did not perform a wellness check until almost two calendar days after Saniyyas disappearance and more than a business day after our formal request. University Police is working with police agencies at the local, stateand federal level, Carey said. NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. On Wednesday community members continued to search for Dennis, a 19-year-old Buffalo State College student. During a news conference Friday, Dennis' family criticized police for not moving fast enough and stalling a search party. The family of a SUNY Buffalo State College student who has been missing since Saturday, April 24 is asking the public for help in finding her. Missing College Student Was Found Slain After Telling Mom on Phone She