Thats where a search party gathered early Wednesday evening in the latest hopes to find the young woman. Wilson Wong is a culture and trends reporter for NBC News Digital. What do the orange, green dots on my iPhone mean? University Police has circulated her information statewide to police agencies and hospitals through the New York State Missing Persons Clearinghouse. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Saniyya I. Dennis, a Bronx native, was last seen April. 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. "Why does it take so long to get subpoenas to cellphone records? 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. She will forever be a member of our Buffalo State family," Conway-Turner added. About an hour after that phone conversation ended, Dennis threw personal items into a garbage can. Flynn said on the afternoon of April 24, Dennis got into an argument with her boyfriend in New York City over the phone. 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. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. 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. Dennis, 19, was last seen on April 24 leaving her residence hall around 11:30 p.m., according to University Police. Officials are asking anyone with information regarding the investigation to contact the University Police Department at Buffalo State College. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available 24 hours a day: 1-800-273-8255. 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. Anyone with information about the search for Vandergrift is asked to call SFPD Tip Line at 415-575 . Her boyfriend was in New York City the entire time, and is not considered a suspect in her disappearance. Parents of missing Buffalo State student 'very concerned' about - MSN The family told reporters that they were alerted by one of Dennis' friends that she may have gotten on a bus to Niagara Park. She attempted to call him 59 and talked about killing herself, Flynn said. The district attorney and officials indicated they believe Dennis never left Niagara Falls State Park. Authorities are continuing their search for a missing New York college student who disappeared more than a week ago. Published: Mar. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 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.. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Missing Buffalo student Saniyya Dennis appears to have died of - PIX11 Dennis, 19, was. Saniyya Dennis was last seen on April 24. Buffalo State Police said it obtained surveillance footage of Saniyya at the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) bus terminal in downtown Buffalo, WGRZ reported. The 19-year-old was last seen leaving her dorm room at SUNY Buffalo State College on April 24, authorities said. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. We've received your submission. Saniyya Dennis, missing Buffalo State College student, took her own Woman'S Body Found in Woods May Be Buffalo State Student 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. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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 [email protected]. While authorities have not recovered her body, they believe Dennis died by suicide based on the timeline of her last hours. Shortly after, Flynn said, she was captured on campus surveillance video leaving her dorm. Dennis parents, multiple agencies and local residents had been involved in anearly two-week searchfor the student. That video has not been made public. Dennis parents were notified of the investigations findings Wednesday afternoon, the DA 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. 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. All rights reserved. Prosecutors say it appears 19-year-old Saniya Dennis took her own life. 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. Her family told police she may be in the Stall Road area, the Hawthorn Suites on Rivers Avenue in North Charleston or . Temple University leadership under fire as concerns over safety grow 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. If you or someone you know might be at risk of suicide, there is help. This is not like her, Dennis sister said at the press conference Friday, CNN affiliate WKBW reported. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. February 28, 2023. 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?. In that conversation, Dennis said she was going to jump off a bridge. On Friday at 7 p.m., Mishealia Marie Meredith, 19, of Harrisburg, left a home where she. Missing Buffalo State student Saniyya Dennis. "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). Missing Buffalo State College student Saniyya Dennis is believed to have taken her own life. Odd, Flynn held his conference days before Mothers Day without any regard for the Dennis family, the statement said. Shortly after throwing those personal items away, her bus card was swiped at a nearby bus. During a news conference on Friday, Dennis family members said it was uncharacteristic of her to suddenly disappear. It appears this poor girl took her own life, Flynn says. Published document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. She was very focused on her studies, she said. 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. 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. Public's help sought in finding missing SUNY Buffalo State student An Illinois college student who was last seen leaving a residence on Friday night has been found dead. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. "I think time is of the essence When it happens like this, it's a very time sensitive matter.". 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. 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? Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text a crisis counselor at 741741, or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. 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? May 7, 2021 / 11:13 AM Flynn said he provided details of the investigation to Dennis parents Wednesday. 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. Why does it take so long to get video footage of buses?. She was by herself. Family and supporters of missing Buffalo State College student Saniyya Dennis have been looking for leads in the case in Niagara Falls. 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. University Police first reported her disappearance on Wednesday and posted her picture on its website and social media pages. She also spoke about dying by suicide with a male friend, he added. 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. Market data provided by Factset. (for youth and family crises): (716) 882-4357. BREAKING: Missing Buffalo State student Saniyya Dennis died of suicide 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. Authorities are continuing their search for a missing New York college student who disappeared more than a week ago. Discovery Company. 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 . The male friend and Dennis' boyfriend did not immediately report her suspected disappearance, according to the DA. Saniyya Dennis, 19, has been missing since Saturday night. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. BUFFALO, New York (WABC) -- A SUNY Buffalo State College student from the Bronx who has. "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. Milford . @DAErieCountyNY says #saniyyadennis parents are unaccepting their daughter committed suicide. 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. Saniyya Dennis, a Buffalo State College student, has been missing since she was captured on surveillance video leaving her residence hall on April 24. 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. 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. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. They asked Flynn not to use to words committed suicide. He slept on it and chose to say Saniyya took her own life.. "She was a good friend, a good person. All evidence indicates that Saniyya ended her own life, but the investigation into her disappearance will not be closed until she is found. "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.". Investigators later revealed that Dennis' phone pinged off of a cell tower near Niagara Falls State Park around 1:23 a.m. April 25. (Source: WPXI/ROSS TOWNSHIP POLICE/CNN) 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. BUFFALO, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- There's a tragic update on a missing college student from the Bronx. Updated: 9:14 AM EDT May 6, 2021. He then called her, and they spoke for about 45 minutes. The day she disappeared,Dennishad an argument with her boyfriend that led to him breaking up with her,Flynnsaid. IE 11 is not supported. CNN Authorities are searching for a New York college sophomore who disappeared over a week ago. Vandergrift is a radio host for Wild 94.9, where Yi is a host as well. Mycalia Raine Wilson was last seen at approximately 11:35 p.m. on Tuesday night at the family home, police said. As a father of five, this is difficult.. She has a good heart.. "It appears that this poor [] Please enter valid email address to continue. Latisha Dennis says she will put up. Erie Countys Crisis Hotline is available 24 hours a day: 716-834-3131. The two remained on the phone for several hours before she later told the male friend she had reconsidered. 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. Market data provided by Factset. Theyve been placing flyers on any available surface and calling for the publics help. She was last seen. 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. As student remains missing, family airs frustration | WBFO 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.. All of this information was provided to Dennis parents on Wednesday afternoon. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Flynn said she got into an argument with her boyfriend, which ended with him breaking up with her.. Thank you to all who have assisted in the search to find Saniyya. They stopped picking up the scent near Goat Island, Flynn said. This was around 11 p.m. Missing NY college student: $10K reward offered after Niagara Falls The family demanded a federal investigation by the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. DA: Missing Buff State student appears to have died of suicide - NEWS10 ABC 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. 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. 2023 Cable News Network. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. 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. Did you encounter any technical issues? Dennis Family via Buffalo State University Police, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The 19-year-old Buff State sophomore was last seen leaving an elevator in her dorm building the night of April 24. 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. But Flynn says her body may not be able to be recovered. 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. Hours later, Dennis told a friend she was going to jump off a bridge and took a selfie with Niagara Falls in the background. "I would ask that our campus and Western New York community keep her family in your thoughts," she said in a statement. The family chastised Flynn for putting forth a narrative that was an easy sell without considering alternative scenarios involving foul play. 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. Anyone with information is asked to contact (716) 878-6333. pic.twitter.com/9saaPYPeOv. 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. The family also raised issues with the Snapchat post Flynn referenced and suggested it could have been doctored. She was last seen April 24 leaving her dorm at Buffalo State College. A ping from her cellphone was detected aboute two hours later inNiagara Falls State Park, 17 miles from campus. 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. 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. The search continues for missing Buffalo State student Saniyya Dennis 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.