Byrd added that there was a $10,000 reward for information leading to his daughter. Updated: 9:14 AM EDT May 6, 2021. All of this information was provided to Dennis parents on Wednesday afternoon. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A Buffalo State student is still missing, a week after she was last seen on campus. 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? Authorities and volunteer search teams are still franticly searching for 19-year-old Saniyya Dennis. appreciated. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Prosecutors say it appears 19-year-old Saniya Dennis took her own life. "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.". During a news conference on Friday, Dennis family members said it was uncharacteristic of her to suddenly disappear. 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. Did you encounter any technical issues? This is not of her nature," Saniyyas sister, Keyora Dennis, said at a recent press conference Friday. Rangers trade Kravtsov, waive Leschyshyn, Giants, Jets fans among most passionate in NFL: report, Mets Cohen cautions spending doesnt mean title, Moose on the Loose: Beltran joins Mets front office, Working to improve health care for all New Yorkers, Refresh your February with some finds from Josh McBride, New Cornell University research reveals pistachios, Patrn Perfect Pineapple Margarita plus a chance, Supercharged Entertainment Edison NJ is the place, Beauty and fashion time saver tips that can be done, Best athletic wear for kids joining baseball and, How to watch all the Oscar-nominated movies in style, Best smart home devices for older users, according, Program provides hearing screenings for immigrant, Vegan doughnut shop shaking things up in Brooklyn, Nonprofit bakery looks for permanent home, How to kill spotted lanternflies before they hatch, Projections show Social Security fund running dry, Residents protest casino plans near Citi Field, Illegal dumping citations quadrupling, part of crackdown, Zombie drug tranq was in Puerto Rico 10 years ago, Behold, The Coney: First look at proposed BK casino, BK fast-food joint robbed via drive-thru window:, Gunman in hazmat suit shot, killed NYC deli worker:, Astoria Pool will be closed for entire summer, Woman killed, teen struck in Brooklyn hit-run: NYPD. 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. She also defended the University Police Chief Peter Carey, saying he and his officers have been working tirelessly to locate Saniyya. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. "We combed the whole park, even places where she was nowhere near, putting up flyers," Byrd said on Saturday. Buffalo State remains in close consultation with and is supporting the Dennis family," Carey said in a statement this weekend. 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. She has dark brown hair and brown eyes. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. 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. Dennis, 19, was last . (Buffalo State College) Her. 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. "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. Saniyya Dennis, 19, has been missing since Saturday night. However, cellphone records showed that to not be true. Multiple law enforcement agencies and numerous volunteers were involved in a search for Dennis following her disappearance. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available 24 hours a day: 1-800-273-8255. @DAErieCountyNY says #saniyyadennis parents are unaccepting their daughter committed suicide. A ping from her cellphone was detected aboute two hours later inNiagara Falls State Park, 17 miles from campus. "We've never had a missing person case such as this we're experiencing now with Ms. Dennis," Carey said. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. MORE | Family of missing Buffalo State student calls for communitys help, offers reward for students whereabouts. 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.. 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. These dismissive acts caused victim blaming and shaming. BUFFALO, New York (WABC) -- A SUNY Buffalo State College student from the Bronx who has. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. 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. 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. 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. As a father of five, this is difficult.. Saniyya Dennis, a 19-year-old sophomore from the Bronx, was last seen leaving her college dorm on April 24. "The dogs came out yesterday, and today they had the helicopter for the search.". Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. In fact, we specifically addressed that issue with law enforcement days before Mr. Flynn took over the case, the statement said of the video. May 8, 2021 / 8:30 AM 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. She was last seen leaving her . If you or someone you know might be at risk of suicide, there is help. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. That evening, Dennis and her friend stayed on the phone together for about four hours. 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 . Saniyya Dennis, 19, was last seen on the SUNY Buffalo State College campus on April 24, the. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, help is available. We're all baffled as to what's going on., Keyora Dennis, Dennis' sister, said this was "not of her nature. Missing SUNY Buffalo State College student Saniyya Dennis. 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. The statement challenged or refuted more than a dozen assertions laid out by Flynn during his news conference. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Saniyya Dennis, the 19-year-old SUNY Buffalo State College who went missing last month, died by apparent suicide, according to officials. 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. Her boyfriend was in New York City the entire time, and is not considered a suspect in her disappearance. 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. 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. A portion of Rivers Avenue near Hayne Street is blocked off because of the crash . Efforts to reach Dennis' family by phone numbers listed for them were unsuccessful Monday. Flynn said he provided details of the investigation to Dennis parents Wednesday. 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. "My daughter is a Black honor roll student at the college and has no tendency of doing nothing, Calvin Byrd, Dennis father, said. 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. They stopped picking up the scent near Goat Island, Flynn said. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Her family told police she may be in the Stall Road area, the Hawthorn Suites on Rivers Avenue in North Charleston or . Legal Statement. All rights reserved. She has a good heart.. She was very focused on her studies, she said. 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. Equally, when she did not return to the campus on Saturday, the school bore a responsibility regarding her safety, the familys statement said. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Understandably, emotions are high right now, but I want to be clear that our department will not rest until Saniyya is found.. February 28, 2023. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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, Community comes together to continue the search for, Mayor Brown meets with the family of missing Buffalo State student Saniyya Dennis, Ukraine: Mourners commemorate 8 men killed in Bucha, 1 killed when business jet encounters severe turbulence, Cant take statins? But that was not true, according to cell phone records. My thoughts and prayers remain with Saniyyas family and friends during this difficult time. 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? Cameras last captured 19-year-old Saniyya Dennis leaving her dorm room, last Saturday night 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. No evidence of foul play was immediately detected, the University Police Department (UPD) at Buffalo State College said. Thank you to all who have assisted in the search to find Saniyya. She was a mechanical engineer major. Saniyya Dennis, a Buffalo State College student, has been missing since she was captured on surveillance video leaving her residence hall on April 24. Odd, Flynn held his conference days before Mothers Day without any regard for the Dennis family, the statement said. 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. 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. Dennis, of Bronx, New York, is a college sophomore. 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. Im so done with my own life, and living it, the text read, according to WIVB. On Friday at 7 p.m., Mishealia Marie Meredith, 19, of Harrisburg, left a home where she. 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. His screenshot of her alleged storyline is not dated and has no time, video or chat from her, the family statement said. You can watch DA Flynns full news conference below. This is not like her, Dennis sister said at the press conference Friday, CNN affiliate WKBW reported. Anyone with information is asked to contact (716) 878-6333. pic.twitter.com/9saaPYPeOv. The family also raised issues with the Snapchat post Flynn referenced and suggested it could have been doctored. HANAHAN, S.C. (WCSC) - Police in Hanahan are searching for a 15-year-old girl who was reported missing on Tuesday. 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.. Saniyya Dennis disappeared from SUNY Buffalo State College on April 24, officials said. My office and our partners in law enforcement have found no evidence of any criminality in this case. The day she disappeared,Dennishad an argument with her boyfriend that led to him breaking up with her,Flynnsaid. "It appears that this poor [] Dennis parents, multiple agencies and local residents had been involved in anearly two-week searchfor the student. This story has been shared 167,794 times. UPD described Dennis as a 5 feet, 3 inches tall Black woman weighing 125 pounds. Some are going to say without a body, do youdefinitelyknow that she took her own life? Flynn continued. 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,. "There is a possibility that if we believe what happened happened, we may never find her body," he said. Danielle Wallace is a reporter for Fox News Digital covering politics, crime, police and more. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Carey said during a news conference Friday that investigators have found no cell phone, electronic or financial activity since Dennis disappeared. Published Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Missing Buffalo State student Saniyya Dennis. "If what I believe happened, happened, we may never find the body. UPD and campus officials are in close consultation with Saniyyas family and are providing support during this difficult time, the campus police department said. Saniyya Dennis, the New York college student who disappeared last month, died by apparent suicide, officials said Thursday. Dennis, a sophomore at Buffalo State College, disappeared after leaving her dorm on April 24. He then called her, and they spoke for about 45 minutes. Ive finally had enough.. Several minutes later, her phone left her cellular network. We've received your submission. CNN Authorities are searching for a New York college sophomore who disappeared over a week ago. 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. 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 State College on April 24, the University Police Department said in a news release. Dennis had not been in contact with her family, according to Carey. Buffalo State University Police says. Saniyya Dennis, a Buffalo State College student, has been missing since she was captured on surveillance video leaving her residence hall on April 24. Market data provided by Factset. I feel awful for the parents, he said. "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.". Saniyya Dennis is seen in this undated released by Buffalo State University Police to help locate, on May 1, 2021. ET, Dennis was seen leaving her dorm room at State University of New York College at Buffalo. All rights reserved. University Police has circulated her information statewide to police agencies and hospitals through the New York State Missing Persons Clearinghouse. If this was somebody else's kid, I think it wouldve happened like this," Calvin Byrd, Dennis's father, said at the news conference. Multiple agencies have been involved in the search for Dennis, and the search will continue until shes found. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. Dennis, 19, was last seen on April 24 leaving her residence hall around 11:30 p.m., according to University Police. Discovery Company. She was by herself. 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! He added authorities may never find her body because of the rocks below the area where her scent was last picked up. Contact Crisis Services 24-hour hotline for support: 716-834-3131. A Warner Bros. NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. On Wednesday community members continued to search for Dennis, a 19-year-old Buffalo State College student. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. 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. Campus police are working with a variety of local, state and federal agencies to locate Dennis, according to UPD. Flynn said she got into an argument with her boyfriend, which ended with him breaking up with her.. 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. 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. Published: Mar. "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. / CBS News. Flynn did not say what those items were, but said they would make someone believe she wasnt planning to return to her dorm. Missing Bronx college student Saniyya Dennis (family/officials), by: Lauren Cook, Evan Anstey/WIVB, Mark Sundstrom. The family chastised Flynn for putting forth a narrative that was an easy sell without considering alternative scenarios involving foul play. The 19-year-old was last seen leaving her dorm room at SUNY Buffalo State College on April 24, authorities said. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Missing SUNY Buffalo State College student Saniyya Dennis. 2. Warning: The content may be triggering. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Dennis, 19, was last seen leaving her dorm on April 24. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 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. BUFFALO, N.Y. Family and friends of a missing Buffalo State student are hoping that she is found safely. While authorities have not recovered her body, they believe Dennis died by suicide based on the timeline of her last hours. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Dennis, who is from the Bronx, is described as 5 feet, 3 inches tall, approximately 125 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. Why does it take so long to get subpoenas to cellphone records? said Dennis father, Calvin Byrd. Family said she handed in a school assignment before catching a bus to Niagara Falls. Saniyya was last seen leaving her dorm. 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. 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 . or redistributed. IE 11 is not supported. A 19-year-old SUNY Buffalo State College sophomore has been missing for more than a week, according to the university and her family. Dennis Family via Buffalo State University Police, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. (for youth and family crises): (716) 882-4357. 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. She was last seen April 24 leaving her dorm at Buffalo State College. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. But Flynn says her body may not be able to be recovered. 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. The Buffalo State College sophomore was last seen leaving her dorm room on April 24th, but. "I would ask that our campus and Western New York community keep her family in your thoughts," she said in a statement. According to the WSP, 49-year-old Denell Kelly . During a news conference Friday, Dennis' family criticized police for not moving fast enough and stalling a search party. Striking, his post is a screenshot of what is alleged to be a snapchat from Saniyya. 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. 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. 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. 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. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Wilson Wong is a culture and trends reporter for NBC News Digital. ", Saniyya worked two jobs. Saniyya Dennis, 19, was last seen leaving her dorm room at the SUNY Buffalo . 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. Niagara Falls was in the background. At this time, we believe that Saniyya traveled alone from the Buffalo State College campus by NFTA bus to Niagara Falls State Park where the evidence suggests that she took her own life during the early morning hours of Sunday, April 25, 2021.