Several minutes later, her phone left her cellular network. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. / CBS New York. Anyone with information is asked to contact (716) 878-6333. pic.twitter.com/9saaPYPeOv. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. "Why does it take so long to get subpoenas to cellphone records? 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. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, CVS offering on-site mental health services, Canadian teacher with size-Z prosthetic breasts placed on paid leave, What's next for Buster Murdaugh after dad's murder conviction, life sentence, Patrick Mahomes' brother accused of assault, forcibly kissing owner at bar, Sick trolls leak gruesome Maggie Murdaugh autopsy photo after it was accidentally shown on livestream, Alex Murdaugh shaves head for latest mugshot after learning his fate for killing his wife, son, Prince Harry says hes not a victim: I never looked for sympathy, Allison Holker pens touching note to kids after Stephen tWitch Boss death, Heather Dubrows youngest child, 12, comes out as transgender, Tom Sizemore And The Dangerous Burden of Desperation, March 4, 1984: Martina Navratilova defeats Chris Evert at MSG, Tom Sandoval breaks silence on Ariana Madix split amid cheating claims. Flynn said dogs searching the area in Niagara Falls State Park lost Dennis' scent near the water's edge. 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. Authorities are continuing their search for a missing New York college student who disappeared more than a week ago. Legal Statement. It was unclear what the personal items were. Saturday, the search for her continued, with family and friends again canvassing Niagara Falls State Park and the surrounding area. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Authorities are continuing their search for a missing New York college student who disappeared more than a week ago. "The dogs came out yesterday, and today they had the helicopter for the search.". 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. Family is offering a $10,000 reward for information about missing 19-year-old Buffalo StateCollegestudent Saniyya Dennis, as searches conducted near Niagara Falls in upstate New York over the weekend turned up empty more than one week after her disappearance. The college sophomore was last seen around 11 p.m. on April 24 in surveillance footage leaving her residence hall. My thoughts and prayers remain with Saniyyas family and friends during this difficult time. "Looking at Niagara Falls, the area is just filled with rocks," he said. Family and supporters of missing Buffalo State College student Saniyya Dennis have been looking for leads in the case in Niagara Falls. I feel awful for the parents, he said. Saniyya Dennis, a Buffalo State College student, has been missing since she was captured on surveillance video leaving her residence hall on April 24. 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. "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.". In the meantime, the family of Saniyya Dennis has traveled to Buffalo from New York City, and expressed their frustration Friday over the investigation so far. Around 1 a.m., the teen took a Snapchat selfie near the Nikola Tesla monument with Niagara Falls in the background, according to Flynn. She may be caught in the jagged rocks there.". That evening, Dennis and her friend stayed on the phone together for about four hours. Investigators initially said Dennis may have been in the Western New York area or traveled to Yonkers, just north of the Bronx. Investigators later revealed that Dennis' phone pinged off of a cell tower near Niagara Falls State Park around 1:23 a.m. April 25. . During a news conference on Friday, Dennis family members said it was uncharacteristic of her to suddenly disappear. Missing Buffalo State 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.. 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. 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. No evidence of foul play was immediately detected, the University Police Department (UPD) at Buffalo State College said. They stopped picking up the scent near Goat Island, Flynn said. 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. Around Midnight, Dennis texted her mother, telling her she loves her and that shell call her the next day. "An exhaustive search and review of the evidence has. 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. 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. 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. There is currently no evidence of foul play, authorities said. Latisha Dennis says she will put up. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. @DAErieCountyNY says #saniyyadennis parents are unaccepting their daughter committed suicide. No all I can do is present you everything I have.. Missing Buffalo State College student Saniyya Dennis is believed to have taken her own life. 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. University Police is working with police agencies at the local, stateand federal level, Carey 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. IE 11 is not supported. The Buffalo State College sophomore was last seen leaving her dorm room on April 24th, but. While authorities have not recovered her body, they believe Dennis died by suicide based on the timeline of her last hours. or redistributed. 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? Mycalia Raine Wilson was last seen at approximately 11:35 p.m. on Tuesday night at the family home, police said. But that was not true, according to cell phone records. If you or someone you know are struggling with suicidal thoughts,click here for resources. CNN Authorities are searching for a New York college sophomore who disappeared over a week ago. Dennis parents, multiple agencies and local residents had been involved in anearly two-week searchfor the student. Flynn said all of this information had been communicated to Dennis parents on Wednesday afternoon. Saniyya I. Dennis, a Bronx native, was last seen April. The day she disappeared,Dennishad an argument with her boyfriend that led to him breaking up with her,Flynnsaid. A Warner Bros. Vandergrift is a radio host for Wild 94.9, where Yi is a host as well. BUFFALO, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- There's a tragic update on a missing college student from 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. After trying to contact him 59 times to no avail, she called another male friend in New York City and talked about killing herself, the DA said. 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. It is impossible to prove the photo or image is of a person. 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. 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. 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. Dont Ditch it: free repair event held, Funeral arrangements announced for fallen firefighter, Live Traffic Map Sponsored by The Barnes Firm, Bills ranked as 9th-best team to play for: NFLPA, Sabres add F Jordan Greenway at trade deadline, Where to get a fish fry in Buffalo in 2023, Tim Hortons app-based Roll Up to Win returns Monday, Turning back the pages on the history of Bethel AME, Underground Railroad has long history in Niagara, Important FAQ for WIVB/WNLO Antenna Viewers, Family of missing Buffalo State student calls for communitys help, offers reward for students whereabouts, Search party for missing Buffalo State student Saniyya, Mayor Brown meets with the family of missing Buffalo, Ukraine: Mourners commemorate 8 men killed in Bucha, 1 killed when business jet encounters severe turbulence, Cant take statins? He added authorities may never find her body because of the rocks below the area where her scent was last picked up. February 28, 2023. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A Buffalo State student is still missing, a week after she was last seen on campus. Dogs were trained to pick up her scent. If this was somebody else's kid, I think it wouldve happened like this," Calvin Byrd, Dennis's father, said at the news conference. 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. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. UPD and campus officials are in close consultation with Saniyyas family and are providing support during this difficult time, the campus police department said. We've received your submission. Saniyya Dennis, a. "I would ask that our campus and Western New York community keep her family in your thoughts," she said in a statement. 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. Authorities are searching for a New York college sophomore who disappeared over a week ago. It appears this poor girl took her own life, Flynn says. 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. 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! Saniyya Dennis,. Buffalo State remains in close consultation with and is supporting the Dennis family," Carey said in a statement this weekend. Ive finally had enough.. A large group of volunteers searched for Dennis over the weekend at Niagara Falls State Park near Goat Island, where police said her phone last pinged, the station reported. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Shortly after throwing those personal items away, her bus card was swiped at a nearby bus. 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. Julia Stevens has been searching for Saniyya, Its important to show up as a community and show this family that we care, that we will continue to be out here and we wont stop until we find Saniyya Dennis., #HappeningNow: a search party has gathered near Cave of the Winds in the effort to find missing 19-year-old Buff State student Saniyya Dennis. NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - North Charleston Police are responding to a crash with serious injuries Saturday afternoon. Campus police are working with a variety of local, state and federal agencies to locate Dennis, according to UPD. Some are going to say without a body, do youdefinitelyknow that she took her own life? Flynn continued. (Courtesy Dennis family) Flynn said on the afternoon of April 24, Dennis got into an argument with her boyfriend in New York City. "Understandably, emotions are high right now, but I want to be clear that our department will not rest until Saniyya is found.". 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. Discovery Company. She has dark brown hair and brown eyes. This was around 11 p.m. 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. The district attorney and officials indicated they believe Dennis never left Niagara Falls State Park. This story has been shared 167,794 times. Warning: The content may be triggering. Her boyfriend was in New York City the entire time, and is not considered a suspect in her disappearance. Her father, a former member of the Harlem-based hip-hop group The Diplomats,used his social media presenceto get the word out about his daughters disappearance. Officials are asking anyone with information regarding the investigation to contact the University Police Department at Buffalo State College. Dennis had not been in contact with her family, according to Carey. The family also raised issues with the Snapchat post Flynn referenced and suggested it could have been doctored. She then sent a text telling him she planned to kill herself, Flynn said. In the meantime, volunteers, friends and family have formed search parties to help find Dennis. Dennis, of Bronx, New York, is a college sophomore. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Saniyya Dennis is seen in this undated released by Buffalo State University Police to help locate, on May 1, 2021. 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. Saniyya Dennis, the 19-year-old SUNY Buffalo State College who went missing last month, died by apparent suicide, according to officials. I feel awful that I dont have a conclusion, obviously.. BUFFALO, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- There's a tragic update on a missing college student from the Bronx. Understandably, emotions are high right now, but I want to be clear that our department will not rest until Saniyya is found.. Published: Mar. 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. Authorities and volunteer search teams are still franticly searching for 19-year-old Saniyya Dennis. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Wilson Wong. Flynn said investigators will not definitively know what happened to Dennis until her body is found and an autopsy is conducted. The teens parents, meanwhile, had demanded answers last week on why more wasnt being done to find the missing mechanical engineering major, the Buffalo News 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. Authorities are continuing their search for a missing New York college student who disappeared more than a week ago. She was last seen. NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. On Wednesday community members continued to search for Dennis, a 19-year-old Buffalo State College student. About 11 p.m. In that conversation, Dennis said she was going to jump off a bridge. 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. "We combed the whole park, even places where she was nowhere near, putting up flyers," Byrd said on Saturday. His screenshot of her alleged storyline is not dated and has no time, video or chat from her, the family statement said. Saturday, the search for her continued, with family and friends again canvassing. "It appears that this poor girl took her own life," Erie County District Attorney John Flynn told reporters during a morning news conference. Thank you to all who have assisted in the search to find Saniyya. A ping from her cellphone was detected aboute two hours later inNiagara Falls State Park, 17 miles from campus. Dennis, 19, was last seen on April 24 leaving her residence hall around 11:30 p.m., according to University Police. (Source: WPXI/ROSS TOWNSHIP POLICE/CNN) 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. 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. Flynn said she got into an argument with her boyfriend, which ended with him breaking up with her. 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. She was last seen April 24 leaving her dorm at Buffalo State College. The family told reporters that they were alerted by one of Dennis' friends that she may have gotten on a bus to Niagara Park. During a news conference Friday, Dennis' family criticized police for not moving fast enough and stalling a search party. Theyve been placing flyers on any available surface and calling for the publics help. Investigators said her cellphone left the network about 1:20 a.m. April 25, which means it was either destroyed or powered off. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. That video has not been made public. According to the WSP, 49-year-old Denell Kelly . 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. This is not like her, Dennis sister said at the press conference Friday, CNN affiliate WKBW reported. 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 . 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. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. This story has been shared 106,229 times. Dennis, a sophomore at Buffalo State College, disappeared after leaving her dorm on April 24. 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. 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.. Byrd added that there was a $10,000 reward for information leading to his daughter. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. HANAHAN, S.C. (WCSC) - Police in Hanahan are searching for a 15-year-old girl who was reported missing on Tuesday. The family accused Buffalo State University, police and Flynns office of not taking Dennis disappearance seriously, including a delay in responding to multiple requests for a wellness check on April 25.