ET, Dennis was seen leaving her dorm room at State University of New York College at Buffalo. Dennis, of Bronx, New York, is a college sophomore. "She was a good friend, a good person. University Police said it is working with the family and several other agencies in its search, including the City of Niagara Falls Police, Erie County Sheriffs Office and Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) Police. For more information, visit CrisisServices.org. MASON COUNTY, Wash. - The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is asking the public for help in finding a missing Indigenous woman considered to be at-risk. Legal Statement. Given these variables and the fact that Saniyyas body has not been discovered, we express great concerns about the handling of this case and the suicide narrative. Saniyya Dennis, 19, was last seen leaving her dorm room at the SUNY Buffalo State College on April 24, the University Police Department said in a news release. Equally, when she did not return to the campus on Saturday, the school bore a responsibility regarding her safety, the familys statement said. Saniyya Dennis was last seen on April 24. He is a native of Fremont. 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. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Saniyya Dennis, 19, was last seen leaving her dorm room at the SUNY Buffalo State College on April 24, the University Police Department said in a news release. The investigation found no evidence of criminality in the case. Saniyya Dennis disappeared from SUNY Buffalo State College on April 24, officials said. Published: Mar. "An exhaustive search and review of the evidence has. Her family members reported her missing to Buffalo State police on April 26, which prompted a widespread investigation. "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.". BUFFALO, N.Y. Family and friends of a missing Buffalo State student are hoping that she is found safely. 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, originally from the Bronx in New York City, is described as a Black female who is 5-foot-3,weighs about125 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. She may be caught in the jagged rocks there.". 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. 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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. 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. 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. Dennis walked toward a garbage can on campus and threw away "personal items that would lead someone to believe that she was not returning to the dorm," he said. "We combed the whole park, even places where she was nowhere near, putting up flyers," Byrd said on Saturday. Saniyya Dennis is seen in this undated released by Buffalo State University Police to help locate, on May 1, 2021. Anyone with information that may be of assistance to the investigation is asked to contact Buffalo States University Police Department at (716) 878-6333 or police@buffalostate.edu. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much 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. In fact, we specifically addressed that issue with law enforcement days before Mr. Flynn took over the case, the statement said of the video. Updated: 9:14 AM EDT May 6, 2021. 2. This story has been shared 106,229 times. 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. 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. All evidence indicates that Saniyya ended her own life, but the investigation into her disappearance will not be closed until she is found. We will be out here every single day for you until we find you because you deserve that.. 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 . Officials are asking anyone with information regarding the investigation to contact the University Police Department at Buffalo State College. Anyone with information is asked to contact (716) 878-6333. pic.twitter.com/9saaPYPeOv. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Around 1 a.m., the teen took a Snapchat selfie near the Nikola Tesla monument with Niagara Falls in the background, according to Flynn. @DAErieCountyNY says #saniyyadennis parents are unaccepting their daughter committed suicide. Thank you to all who have assisted in the search to find Saniyya. She was by herself. If this was somebody else's kid, I think it wouldve happened like this," Calvin Byrd, Dennis's father, said at the news conference. "I think time is of the essence When it happens like this, it's a very time sensitive matter.". It appears this poor girl took her own life, Flynn says. 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. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, help is available. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Published We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. She also texted her friend, saying she wouldnt see him this summer. That evening, Dennis and her friend stayed on the phone together for about four hours. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. 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. Dennis was last seen on New York State Park Police cameras shortly after midnight walking toward Goat Island, where her phone last pinged, Flynn said. Flynn said all of this information had been communicated to Dennis parents on Wednesday afternoon. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Dennis, 19, was last seen on April 24 leaving her residence hall around 11:30 p.m., according to University Police. University Police is working with police agencies at the local, stateand federal level, Carey said. 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. "It appears that this poor girl took her own life," Erie County District Attorney John Flynn told reporters during a morning news conference. A 19-year-old SUNY Buffalo State College sophomore has been missing for more than a week, according to the university and her family. Flynn said she got into an argument with her boyfriend, which ended with him breaking up with her.. 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 . Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. University Police has circulated her information statewide to police agencies and hospitals through the New York State Missing Persons Clearinghouse. 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. Missing SUNY Buffalo State College student Saniyya Dennis. Erie County District Attorney John Flynn held a news briefing Thursday during which he outlined a timeline of events and evidence that he said led to the conclusion that Dennis took her own life.. Officials: Buffalo State College student Saniyya Dennis 'took her own life', U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 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, 19, is a sophomore who was. 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. She attempted to call him 59 and talked about killing herself, Flynn said. In that conversation, she had said she was reconsidering what she said about suicide, and was feeling better than she was earlier. 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. Saniyya Dennis, 19, was last seen leaving her dorm room at the SUNY Buffalo . Efforts to reach Dennis' family by phone numbers listed for them were unsuccessful Monday. Saniyya Dennis, 19, was last seen leaving her dorm room at the SUNY Buffalo State College more than a week ago on April 24, authorities said. Im so done with my own life, and living it, the text read, according to WIVB. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Missing Bronx college student Saniyya Dennis (family/officials), by: Lauren Cook, Evan Anstey/WIVB, Mark Sundstrom. Her family told police she may be in the Stall Road area, the Hawthorn Suites on Rivers Avenue in North Charleston or . Missing SUNY Buffalo State College student Saniyya Dennis. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Flynn said he provided details of the investigation to Dennis parents Wednesday. (for youth and family crises): (716) 882-4357. Saniyya was last seen leaving her dorm on Buffalo States campus on April 24, but her cell phone was later pinged near Goat Island in Niagara Falls. 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. "It appears that this poor [] After talking for about an hour, Dennis later told him she was on the bus returning home, which, according to phone records, the DA said was not true. Dennis parents, multiple agencies and local residents had been involved in anearly two-week searchfor the student. Some are going to say without a body, do youdefinitelyknow that she took her own life? Flynn continued. According to investigators, her boyfriend broke up with her that day. BUFFALO, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- There's a tragic update on a missing college student from the Bronx. 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. The 19-year-old Buff State sophomore was last seen leaving an elevator in her dorm building the night of April 24. 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. She was last seen April 24 leaving her dorm at Buffalo State College. These dismissive acts caused victim blaming and shaming. Saniyya Dennis, a Buffalo State College student, has been missing since she was captured on surveillance video leaving her residence hall on April 24. / CBS News. Her boyfriend was in New York City the entire time, and is not considered a suspect in her disappearance. She was last seen. In the middle of that day, Flynn says Dennis had been in an argument with her boyfriend that ended with him breaking up with her. If you or someone you know are struggling with suicidal thoughts,click here for resources. Despite the evidence, the DA said the search for Dennis will continue. / CBS New York. 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. Shortly after, Flynn said, she was captured on campus surveillance video leaving her dorm. U.S. news Saniyya Dennis, missing Buffalo State College student, took her own life, DA says The 19-year-old was last seen leaving her dorm room at SUNY Buffalo State College on April 24,. 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. Ivy Marie Gilbert added, posting it on Facebook is absolutely helpful and stuff but being local, its really helpful to actually get out here and do it.. A Warner Bros. She has dark brown hair and brown eyes. Dennis, who is from the Bronx, is described as 5 feet, 3 inches tall, approximately 125 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. For nearly two weeks, search parties have combed through Niagara Falls in the hopes of finding Saniyya Dennis. Investigators said her cellphone left the network about 1:20 a.m. April 25, which means it was either destroyed or powered off. The district attorney said Dennis had multiple conversations about suicide the day she disappeared and was captured by park cameras inside Niagara Falls State Park that night. My thoughts and prayers remain with Saniyyas family and friends during this difficult time. However, cellphone records showed that to not be true. Dennis Family via Buffalo State University Police, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Dennis family also alleged the college minimized her disappearance as nonurgent conflicting with the district attorneys assertion she died by suicide and accused Flynn of misrepresenting evidence during his news conference, including the video confirming she was in Niagara Falls State Park. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Dennis, of Bronx, New York, is a college sophomore. This is not of her nature," Saniyyas sister, Keyora Dennis, said at a recent press conference Friday. "I would ask that our campus and Western New York community keep her family in your thoughts," she said in a statement. BUFFALO, N.Y. -- A firefighter died inside a burning commercial building in downtown Buffalo, New York, on Wednesday, where a fire and sudden blast sent flames and smoke billowing into the street . (Source: WPXI/ROSS TOWNSHIP POLICE/CNN) "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.". 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. There is currently no evidence of foul play, authorities said. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Authorities are continuing their search for a missing New York college student who disappeared more than a week ago. Saniyya Dennis, a 19-year-old sophomore from the Bronx, was last seen leaving her college dorm on April 24. Saniyya Dennis, 19, was last seen on the SUNY Buffalo State College campus on April 24, the University Police Department (UPD) told CNN. "Why does it take so long to get subpoenas to cellphone records? 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. 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. Dennis parents were notified of the investigations findings Wednesday afternoon, the DA said. It is impossible to prove the photo or image is of a person. 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. Dennis threw away "personal items" that led investigators to believe she would not return to the dorm and took a bus to Niagara Falls State Park by herself, Flynn said. She then sent a text telling him she planned to kill herself, Flynn said. 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! As she was there, she received a text from a friend telling her to call him or else hell call police. They stopped picking up the scent near Goat Island, Flynn said. Contact Crisis Services 24-hour hotline for support: 716-834-3131. 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. Officials. 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. Dennis had not been in contact with her family, according to Carey. What do the orange, green dots on my iPhone mean? Warning: The content may be triggering. NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. On Wednesday community members continued to search for Dennis, a 19-year-old Buffalo State College student. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Dennis, 19, was last seen leaving her dorm on April 24. Flynn said on the afternoon of April 24, Dennis got into an argument with her boyfriend in New York City over the phone. (Buffalo State College) Her. Dennis, 19, was last . Anyone with information that may be of assistance to the investigation is asked to contact Buffalo States University Police Department at (716) 878-6333 or police@buffalostate.edu. Saniyya Dennis, the 19-year-old SUNY Buffalo State College who went missing last month, died by apparent suicide, according to officials. However, Dennis family said on Friday they do not agree with Flynns narrative that she died by suicide and accused the district attorney of sharing details of her case without conferring with them first. In a statement released earlier in the week, Buff State President Katherine Conway-Turner called Saniyya a lovely young woman with a bright future ahead. While authorities have not located the 19-year-old's body, they were able to reach that conclusion based on a timeline of her last hours. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Prosecutors say it appears 19-year-old Saniya Dennis took her own life. Saturday, the search for her continued, with family and friends again canvassing Niagara Falls State Park and the surrounding area. 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. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. No evidence of foul play was immediately detected, the University Police Department (UPD) at Buffalo State College said. His screenshot of her alleged storyline is not dated and has no time, video or chat from her, the family statement said. MORE | Family of missing Buffalo State student calls for communitys help, offers reward for students whereabouts. "Understandably, emotions are high right now, but I want to be clear that our department will not rest until Saniyya is found.".