He then called her, and they spoke for about 45 minutes. Saturday, the search for her continued, with family and friends again canvassing Niagara Falls State Park and the surrounding area. (Buffalo State College) Her. 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. In that conversation, she had said she was reconsidering what she said about suicide, and was feeling better than she was earlier. 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. Her boyfriend was in New York City the entire time, and is not considered a suspect in her disappearance. She was then spotted by park cameras along a trail at 12:17 a.m. on April 25 Flynn said this was the last time she was seen on video. "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.". 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. / CBS New York. The family also raised issues with the Snapchat post Flynn referenced and suggested it could have been doctored. 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. 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. Dennis, 19, was last seen on April 24 leaving her residence hall around 11:30 p.m., according to University Police. It appears that this poor girl took her own life,Erie County District Attorney John Flynnsaidat a news conferenceThursday morning. Prosecutors say Dennis' boyfriend was in New York City at the time and is not a suspect. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 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. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text a crisis counselor at 741741, or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org. I feel awful for the parents, he 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. Updated: 9:14 AM EDT May 6, 2021. No evidence of foul play was immediately detected, the University Police Department (UPD) at Buffalo State College said. Missing Buffalo State student Saniyya Dennis. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. I feel awful that I dont have a conclusion, obviously.. 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 room at SUNY Buffalo State College on April 24, authorities said. BUFFALO, N.Y. Family and friends of a missing Buffalo State student are hoping that she is found safely. "Looking at Niagara Falls, the area is just filled with rocks," he said. Cameras last captured 19-year-old Saniyya Dennis leaving her dorm room, last Saturday night 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. Story tips can be sent to danielle.wallace@fox.com and on Twitter: @danimwallace. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Wilson Wong. Mycalia Raine Wilson was last seen at approximately 11:35 p.m. on Tuesday night at the family home, police said. 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. According to the DA, video from the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority showed she rode two different buses going toward Niagara Falls. Saniyya I. Dennis, a Bronx native, was last seen April. Also missing is 20-year-old Talia Esther Rosenbloom of Eugene, described as 5'7" tall, weighing 140 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. The family demanded a federal investigation by the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. 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. Dennis had not been in contact with her family, according to Carey. 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. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. "This is not like 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 . 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. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Flynn said she got into an argument with her boyfriend, which ended with him breaking up with her.. Saniyya Dennis, a. As a father of five, this is difficult.. In fact, we specifically addressed that issue with law enforcement days before Mr. Flynn took over the case, the statement said of the video. Why does it take so long to get video footage of buses?. 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. 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. Shortly after, Flynn said, she was captured on campus surveillance video leaving her dorm. He is a native of Fremont. 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. He added authorities may never find her body because of the rocks below the area where her scent was last picked up. Officials. 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. 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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.. Dogs were trained to pick up her scent. Wilson Wong is a culture and trends reporter for NBC News Digital. 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. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 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. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. "Temple's current leadership has consistently treated it as a PR problem first, safety second, and I think they have their priorities backward," said Brian Hart, a 2012 Temple graduate. Saniyya was last seen leaving her dorm. 14. The college sophomore was last seen around 11 p.m. on April 24 in surveillance footage leaving her residence hall. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. We will be out here every single day for you until we find you because you deserve that.. The day she disappeared,Dennishad an argument with her boyfriend that led to him breaking up with her,Flynnsaid. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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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. This story has been shared 106,229 times. The district attorney and officials indicated they believe Dennis never left Niagara Falls State Park. 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. Flynn said dogs searching the area in Niagara Falls State Park lost Dennis' scent near the water's edge. Dennis, who is from the Bronx, is described as 5 feet, 3 inches tall, approximately 125 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. Flynn said all of this information had been communicated to Dennis parents on Wednesday afternoon. Missing students are rare at Buffalo State. She was last seen leaving her . She will forever be a member of our Buffalo State family," Conway-Turner added. Hours later, Dennis told a friend she was going to jump off a bridge and took a selfie with Niagara Falls in the background. We've received your submission. Dennis parents, multiple agencies and local residents had been involved in anearly two-week searchfor the student. BUFFALO, New York (WABC) -- A SUNY Buffalo State College student from the Bronx who has. IE 11 is not supported. 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. (for youth and family crises): (716) 882-4357. @DAErieCountyNY says #saniyyadennis parents are unaccepting their daughter committed suicide. An Illinois college student who was last seen leaving a residence on Friday night has been found dead. 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. Some are going to say without a body, do youdefinitelyknow that she took her own life? Flynn continued. Dennis, of Bronx, New York, is a college sophomore. In that conversation, Dennis said she was going to jump off a bridge. All of this information was provided to Dennis parents on Wednesday afternoon. University Police is working with police agencies at the local, stateand federal level, Carey said. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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Market data provided by Factset. The statement challenged or refuted more than a dozen assertions laid out by Flynn during his news conference. 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. Authorities are searching for a New York college sophomore who disappeared over a week ago. Why does it take so long to get subpoenas to cellphone records? said Dennis father, Calvin Byrd. Missing Buffalo State College student Saniyya Dennis is believed to have taken her own life. "Understandably, emotions are high right now, but I want to be clear that our department will not rest until Saniyya is found.". Investigators later revealed that Dennis' phone pinged off of a cell tower near Niagara Falls State Park around 1:23 a.m. April 25. She attempted to call him 59 and talked about killing herself, Flynn said. According to investigators, her boyfriend broke up with her that day. This is not of her nature," Saniyyas sister, Keyora Dennis, said at a recent press conference Friday. Dennis parents were notified of the investigations findings Wednesday afternoon, the DA said. Anyone with information is asked to contact (716) 878-6333. pic.twitter.com/9saaPYPeOv. Wilson Wong is a culture and trends reporter for NBC News Digital. Dennis Family via Buffalo State University Police, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. ET, Dennis was seen leaving her dorm room at State University of New York College at Buffalo. 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. Flynn did not say what those items were, but said they would make someone believe she wasnt planning to return to her dorm. "There is a possibility that if we believe what happened happened, we may never find her body," he said. Saniyya Dennis, the 19-year-old SUNY Buffalo State College who went missing last month, died by apparent suicide, according to officials. Published 2023 Cable News Network. Family said she handed in a school assignment before catching a bus to Niagara Falls. Katherine Conway-Turner, the president of Buffalo State College, expressed her support to Dennis' friends and family on Thursday. This is not like her, Dennis sister said at the press conference Friday, CNN affiliate WKBW reported. Yesterday afternoon, members of my office met with the family of Saniyya Dennis to provide an update on the investigation into her disappearance. 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. 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. 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.. BUFFALO, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- There's a tragic update on a missing college student from the Bronx. 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 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. Flynn said investigators will not definitively know what happened to Dennis until her body is found and an autopsy is conducted. She was last seen. 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. She then sent a text telling him she planned to kill herself, Flynn said. Saniyya Dennis,. 2021 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. May 8, 2021 / 8:30 AM 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 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. This was around 11 p.m. Rather, it is nothing more than a black dot shot from a distance. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Thats where a search party gathered early Wednesday evening in the latest hopes to find the young woman. "Those of us who met Saniyya know her as a bright honors student and a beautiful young woman with a big heart and a promising future in her field (mechanical engineering technology). You can watch DA Flynns full news conference below. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A Buffalo State student is still missing, a week after she was last seen on campus. Legal Statement. Authorities are continuing their search for a missing New York college student who disappeared more than a week ago. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Buffalo State University Police says. All rights reserved. The Buffalo State College sophomore was last seen leaving her dorm room on April 24th, but. A missing New York college student who disappeared last month is believed to have died by suicide, authorities said Thursday. Saniyya Dennis disappeared from SUNY Buffalo State College on April 24, officials said. My thoughts and prayers remain with Saniyyas family and friends during this difficult time. Family said Saniyya is an honor student studying mechanical engineering. Dennis, a sophomore at Buffalo State College, disappeared after leaving her dorm on April 24. Carey said during a news conference Friday that investigators have found no cell phone, electronic or financial activity since Dennis disappeared. 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. 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. A ping from her cellphone was detected aboute two hours later inNiagara Falls State Park, 17 miles from campus. All evidence indicates that Saniyya ended her own life, but the investigation into her disappearance will not be closed until she is found. Latisha Dennis says she will put up. "It appears that this poor [] This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. "I can't leave if I didn't say I looked at every inch of this park," he told "Good Morning America." "An exhaustive search and review of the evidence has. Julia Stevens went on to say, If Saniyya is out there and shes watching these efforts, if shes in danger or incapacitated we would say dont give up hope, we are leaving no stone unturned. That evening, Dennis and her friend stayed on the phone together for about four hours. This story has been shared 167,794 times. They asked Flynn not to use to words committed suicide. He slept on it and chose to say Saniyya took her own life.. The 19-year-old was last seen on April 24. A portion of Rivers Avenue near Hayne Street is blocked off because of the crash . 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. 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 . If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, help is available. Legal Statement. All rights reserved. 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. 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.. Authorities and volunteer search teams are still franticly searching for 19-year-old Saniyya Dennis. The two remained on the phone for several hours before she later told the male friend she had reconsidered. (Source: WPXI/ROSS TOWNSHIP POLICE/CNN) 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. Contact Crisis Services 24-hour hotline for support: 716-834-3131. Thank you to all who have assisted in the search to find Saniyya. Officials: Buffalo State College student Saniyya Dennis 'took her own life', U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. "I think time is of the essence When it happens like this, it's a very time sensitive matter.". 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. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. These dismissive acts caused victim blaming and shaming. Multiple law enforcement agencies and numerous volunteers were involved in a search for Dennis following her disappearance. University Police has circulated her information statewide to police agencies and hospitals through the New York State Missing Persons Clearinghouse. The investigation found no evidence of criminality in the case. Dennis, 19, was last . However, cellphone records showed that to not be true. 1998 - 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. It is impossible to prove the photo or image is of a person. During a news conference Friday, Dennis' family criticized police for not moving fast enough and stalling a search party. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Despite the evidence, the DA said the search for Dennis will continue. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Saniyya Dennis, 19, was last seen on the SUNY Buffalo State College campus on April 24, the. IE 11 is not supported. 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. She also texted her friend, saying she wouldnt see him this summer. 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. 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. Niagara Falls was in the background. Dennis, 19, was last seen on April 24 leaving her residence hall around 11:30 p.m., according to University Police. Her family members reported her missing to Buffalo State police on April 26, which prompted a widespread investigation. There exists no evidence that it came from Saniyya A person named Keith K posted it via social media days later. 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. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Desperate for any leads, her dad, also known as rapper 40 Cal,offered a cash rewardin a caption of one of his Instagram posts. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. "That's a possibility.". Striking, his post is a screenshot of what is alleged to be a snapchat from Saniyya. We're all baffled as to what's going on., Keyora Dennis, Dennis' sister, said this was "not of her nature. 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. What do the orange, green dots on my iPhone mean? 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! They stopped picking up the scent near Goat Island, Flynn said.