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. For more information, visit CrisisServices.org. In the meantime, volunteers, friends and family have formed search parties to help find Dennis. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. Saniyya Dennis, 19, has been missing since Saturday night. She was last seen. "Understandably, emotions are high right now, but I want to be clear that our department will not rest until Saniyya is found.". She was very focused on her studies, she said. BUFFALO, N.Y. The family of a Buffalo State College student missing since late April will hold a balloon launch Monday to mark her 20th birthday. 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.. Carey said during a news conference Friday that investigators have found no cell phone, electronic or financial activity since Dennis disappeared. This story has been shared 106,229 times. Around 12:18 a.m., the male friend warned in a text that he would call police if she did not call him in 30 seconds. 14. CNN Authorities are searching for a New York college sophomore who disappeared over a week ago. 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. Anyone with information is asked to contact Buffalo State Police at (716) 878-6333. BUFFALO, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- There's a tragic update on a missing college student from the Bronx. 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. Her family told police she may be in the Stall Road area, the Hawthorn Suites on Rivers Avenue in North Charleston or . Market data provided by Factset. Dennis parents were notified of the investigations findings Wednesday afternoon, the DA said. 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. 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. Shortly after, Flynn said, she was captured on campus surveillance video leaving her dorm. Saniyya Dennis is seen in this undated released by Buffalo State University Police to help locate, on May 1, 2021. Saniyya Dennis, a Buffalo State College student, has been missing since she was captured on surveillance video leaving her residence hall on April 24. Investigators later revealed that Dennis' phone pinged off of a cell tower near Niagara Falls State Park around 1:23 a.m. April 25. (Buffalo State College) Her. Dennis, 19, was last seen on April 24 leaving her residence hall around 11:30 p.m., according to University Police. "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.". Missing SUNY Buffalo State College student Saniyya Dennis. or redistributed. 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. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Ive finally had enough.. The family of a Buffalo State College student missing since last weekend has put up a $10,000 reward for information that leads to her safe return. Yesterday afternoon, members of my office met with the family of Saniyya Dennis to provide an update on the investigation into her disappearance. "I would ask that our campus and Western New York community keep her family in your thoughts," she said in a statement. 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. Flynn said on the afternoon of April 24, Dennis got into an argument with her boyfriend in New York City over the phone. FBI JOINS SEARCH FOR MISSING VIRGINIA BOY, 2, LURED FROM CHURCH BY UNKNOWN ABDUCTOR, "Our one and only goal in this investigation is to locate Saniyya and reconnect her with her family. Phillys zombie drug tranq already in NYC, How to report no heat in NYC: Resources for tenants, Rising rent in NYC: Heres what tenants need to know, Suicide prevention and mental health resources, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. These dismissive acts caused victim blaming and shaming. If you or someone you know are struggling with suicidal thoughts,click here for resources. About 11 p.m. 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. 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. We will be out here every single day for you until we find you because you deserve that.. 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. 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. Saniyya Dennis, a Buffalo State College student, has been missing since she was captured on surveillance video leaving her residence hall on April 24. All evidence indicates that Saniyya ended her own life, but the investigation into her disappearance will not be closed until she is found. 2:18 AM EDT, Mon May 3, 2021. 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. Her family members reported her missing to Buffalo State police on April 26, which prompted a widespread investigation. . 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. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. 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. 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. Updated: 9:14 AM EDT May 6, 2021. This is not like her, Dennis sister said at the press conference Friday, CNN affiliate WKBW reported. 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. There is currently no evidence of foul play, authorities said. The investigation found no evidence of criminality in the case. Wilson Wong. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Moose on the Loose: Battle to become Yankees shortstop, Activist killed in police-involved shooting, Rep. George Santos introduced his first bill in Congress, Pop-up grocery store opens in Greenwich Village, Expert raises awareness about eating disorders, NY Rep. Dan Goldman talks House ethics probe into, What to know about teens and their mental health, Read Across America Day kicks off at NYC bookstore, Womens History Month: Highlighting women in medicine. 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. HANAHAN, S.C. (WCSC) - Police in Hanahan are searching for a 15-year-old girl who was reported missing on Tuesday. Discovery Company. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, help is available. Published She also spoke about dying by suicide with a male friend, he added. (for youth and family crises): (716) 882-4357. Dennis, a sophomore at Buffalo State College, disappeared after leaving her dorm on April 24. A college sophomore, Dennis was last seen leaving her dorm on April 24. 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. May 7, 2021 / 11:13 AM Thats where a search party gathered early Wednesday evening in the latest hopes to find the young woman. Authorities are continuing their search for a missing New York college student who disappeared more than a week ago. 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. Wilson Wong is a culture and trends reporter for NBC News Digital. She was by herself. I also want to thank the Buffalo State community, members of the media, and residents from Western New York and beyond who have participated in the search and shared information about her case., Buffalo State Counseling Center: (716) 878-4436, Employee Assistance Program (EAP): (716) 878-6699, Reach Out SUNY NYS COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline: 1-844-863-9314, SUNY Crisis Text Line: Text GOT5U to 741-741, Crisis Services of Buffalo (24/7): (716) 834-3131, Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK), option 1, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK), Spectrum Health & Human Services: (716) 710-5172, C.A.R.E.S. The district attorney and officials indicated they believe Dennis never left Niagara Falls State Park. 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.. 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. She attempted to call him 59 and talked about killing herself, Flynn said. Buffalo State Police said it obtained surveillance footage of Saniyya at the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) bus terminal in downtown Buffalo, WGRZ reported. 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. The male friend and Dennis' boyfriend did not immediately report her suspected disappearance, according to the DA. I feel awful for the parents, he said. NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - North Charleston Police are responding to a crash with serious injuries Saturday afternoon. Dennis, of Bronx, New York, is a college sophomore. Im so done with my own life, and living it, the text read, according to WIVB. / CBS New York. ET, Dennis was seen leaving her dorm room at State University of New York College at Buffalo. Missing students are rare at Buffalo State. Courtney Gabamonte has also been helping in the search, she tells us, being a woman and having a girl missing is just heartbreaking so why not come out and help look if were not far from where she might be found?. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. UPD and campus officials are in close consultation with Saniyyas family and are providing support during this difficult time, the campus police department said. Flynn said she got into an argument with her boyfriend, which ended with him breaking up with her.. Prosecutors say it appears 19-year-old Saniya Dennis took her own life. (Courtesy Dennis family) Flynn said on the afternoon of April 24, Dennis got into an argument with her boyfriend in New York City. Officials. Contact Crisis Services 24-hour hotline for support: 716-834-3131. University Police has circulated her information statewide to police agencies and hospitals through the New York State Missing Persons Clearinghouse. Saniyya Dennis,. Efforts to reach Dennis' family by phone numbers listed for them were unsuccessful Monday. 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. Did you encounter any technical issues? IE 11 is not supported. As she was there, she received a text from a friend telling her to call him or else hell call police. 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. I feel awful that I dont have a conclusion, obviously.. With all due respect, a star in the midnight sky is more visible than Saniyya appears in that purported video.. The Buffalo State College sophomore was last seen leaving her dorm room on April 24th, but. Mycalia Raine Wilson was last seen at approximately 11:35 p.m. on Tuesday night at the family home, police said. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Missing Buffalo State student Saniyya Dennis. We're all baffled as to what's going on., Keyora Dennis, Dennis' sister, said this was "not of her nature. 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. According to the DA, video from the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority showed she rode two different buses going toward Niagara Falls. "It appears that this poor [] Flynn said investigators will not definitively know what happened to Dennis until her body is found and an autopsy is conducted. 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. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. 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. Saniyya Dennis was last seen on April 24. 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. But that was not true, according to cell phone records. Saturday, the search for her continued, with family and friends again canvassing Niagara Falls State Park and the surrounding area. Saniyya Dennis, 19, was last seen leaving her dorm room at the SUNY Buffalo . I feel awful for the parents, he said. Dennis parents, multiple agencies and local residents had been involved in anearly two-week searchfor the student. About an hour after that phone conversation ended, Dennis threw personal items into a garbage can. Minutes after that text, her cellphone left the cellular network, meaning it was either powered off or destroyed, according to officials. That evening, Dennis and her friend stayed on the phone together for about four hours. Odd, Flynn held his conference days before Mothers Day without any regard for the Dennis family, the statement said. Around 1 a.m., Dennis took a Snapchat selfie near the Nikola Tesla monument. Dennis, 19, was last seen on April 24 leaving her residence hall around 11:30 p.m., according to University Police. Dennis, of Bronx, New York, is a college sophomore. Saniyya was last seen leaving her dorm. 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. According to investigators, her boyfriend broke up with her that day. Market data provided by Factset. Around 1 a.m., the teen took a Snapchat selfie near the Nikola Tesla monument with Niagara Falls in the background, according to Flynn. Saturday, the search for her continued, with family and friends again canvassing. If you or someone you know might be at risk of suicide, there is help. IE 11 is not supported. There exists no evidence that it came from Saniyya A person named Keith K posted it via social media days later. Investigators initially said she may have remained in the area or traveled to Yonkers, near New York City, a news release, updated on April 28, said. Katherine Conway-Turner, the president of Buffalo State College, expressed her support to Dennis' friends and family on Thursday. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Dogs were trained to pick up her scent. Flynn said dogs searching the area in Niagara Falls State Park lost Dennis' scent near the water's edge. However, cellphone records showed that to not be true. 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. Warning: The content may be triggering. Buffalo State remains in close consultation with and is supporting the Dennis family," Carey said in a statement this weekend. The family demanded a federal investigation by the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. Saniyya Dennis, 19, was last seen on the SUNY Buffalo State College campus on April 24, the. Anyone with information about the search for Vandergrift is asked to call SFPD Tip Line at 415-575 . "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 on Saturday. BUFFALO, New York (WABC) -- A SUNY Buffalo State College student from the Bronx who has. 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.