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 . The district attorney and officials indicated they believe Dennis never left Niagara Falls State Park. 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. 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? The day she disappeared,Dennishad an argument with her boyfriend that led to him breaking up with her,Flynnsaid. No evidence of foul play was immediately detected, the University Police Department (UPD) at Buffalo State College said. Flynn said she got into an argument with her boyfriend, which ended with him breaking up with her.. 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. Saniyya I. Dennis, a Bronx native, was last seen April. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 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. Saniyya Dennis, the New York college student who disappeared last month, died by apparent suicide, officials said Thursday. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. The family demanded a federal investigation by the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. They asked Flynn not to use to words committed suicide. He slept on it and chose to say Saniyya took her own life.. Why does it take so long to get video footage of buses?. Calvin Byrd, Dennis' father, told NBC affiliate WGRZ that the experience was a "nightmare.". (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. (WIVB) Thursday morning, Erie County District Attorney John Flynn provided an update on the disappearance of Buffalo State College student Saniyya Dennis. "It appears that this poor girl took her own life," Erie County District Attorney John Flynn told reporters during a morning news conference. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Flynn said she got into an argument with her boyfriend, which ended with him breaking up with her. 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.. Carey said during a news conference Friday that investigators have found no cell phone, electronic or financial activity since Dennis disappeared. 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 may be caught in the jagged rocks there.". 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. 14. On Friday at 7 p.m., Mishealia Marie Meredith, 19, of Harrisburg, left a home where she. Vandergrift is a radio host for Wild 94.9, where Yi is a host as well. Wilson Wong. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. "We combed the whole park, even places where she was nowhere near, putting up flyers," Byrd said on Saturday. 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. "Why does it take so long to get subpoenas to cellphone records? Several minutes later, her phone left her cellular network. Yesterday afternoon, members of my office met with the family of Saniyya Dennis to provide an update on the investigation into her disappearance. Story tips can be sent to danielle.wallace@fox.com and on Twitter: @danimwallace. Rather, it is nothing more than a black dot shot from a distance. She was last seen. Prosecutors say it appears 19-year-old Saniya Dennis took her own life. "That's a possibility.". 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. Family said Saniyya is an honor student studying mechanical engineering. Market data provided by Factset. 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. Some are going to say without a body, do youdefinitelyknow that she took her own life? Flynn continued. 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. This is not of her nature," Saniyyas sister, Keyora Dennis, said at a recent press conference Friday. 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. The family also raised issues with the Snapchat post Flynn referenced and suggested it could have been doctored. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Investigators said her cellphone left the network about 1:20 a.m. April 25, which means it was either destroyed or powered off. She has a good heart.. Dennis walked toward a garbage can on campus and threw away "personal items that would lead someone to believe that she was not returning to the dorm," he said. Latisha Dennis says she will put up. "There is a possibility that if we believe what happened happened, we may never find her body," he said. 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 continued to attempt contacting him, and said she was going to kill herself. This is not like her, Dennis sister said at the press conference Friday, CNN affiliate WKBW reported. He then called her, and they spoke for about 45 minutes. / CBS News. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Around 1 a.m., Dennis took a Snapchat selfie near the Nikola Tesla monument. Why does it take so long to get subpoenas to cellphone records? said Dennis father, Calvin Byrd. This was around 11 p.m. Her family told police she may be in the Stall Road area, the Hawthorn Suites on Rivers Avenue in North Charleston or . About 20 minutes after this, she texted a male friend, and said that she spoke with her mom and was on her way back to Buffalo. Officials are asking anyone with information regarding the investigation to contact the University Police Department at Buffalo State College. Dennis, 19, was last . Officials. I feel awful for the parents, he said. 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. 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. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Dennis Family via Buffalo State University Police, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Contact Crisis Services 24-hour hotline for support: 716-834-3131. All of this information was provided to Dennis parents on Wednesday afternoon. UPD described Dennis as a 5 feet, 3 inches tall Black woman weighing 125 pounds. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. 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. / CBS New York. Dennis parents were notified of the investigations findings Wednesday afternoon, the DA said. Campus police are working with a variety of local, state and federal agencies to locate Dennis, according to UPD. Wilson Wong is a culture and trends reporter for NBC News Digital. A college sophomore, Dennis was last seen leaving her dorm on April 24. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, (Buffalo State College) Her. Understandably, emotions are high right now, but I want to be clear that our department will not rest until Saniyya is found.. Around Midnight, Dennis texted her mother, telling her she loves her and that shell call her the next day. Dennis, 19, was last seen leaving her dorm on April 24. 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. Dennis, a sophomore at Buffalo State College, disappeared after leaving her dorm on April 24. Danielle Wallace is a reporter for Fox News Digital covering politics, crime, police and more. Saniyya Dennis, 19, was last seen on the SUNY Buffalo State College campus on April 24, the University Police Department (UPD) told CNN. The Buffalo State College sophomore was last seen leaving her dorm room on April 24th, but. We've received your submission. The investigation found no evidence of criminality in the case. Multiple law enforcement agencies and numerous volunteers were involved in a search for Dennis following her disappearance. Im so done with my own life, and living it, the text read, according to WIVB. BUFFALO, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- There's a tragic update on a missing college student from the Bronx. 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. 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. Minutes after that text, her cellphone left the cellular network, meaning it was either powered off or destroyed, according to officials. I feel awful that I dont have a conclusion, obviously.. "An exhaustive search and review of the evidence has. Saniyya Dennis, a. Odd, Flynn held his conference days before Mothers Day without any regard for the Dennis family, the statement said. Missing students are rare at Buffalo State. "I would ask that our campus and Western New York community keep her family in your thoughts," she said in a statement. 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. 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. CNN Authorities are searching for a New York college sophomore who disappeared over a week ago. In that conversation, Dennis said she was going to jump off a bridge. If you or someone you know are struggling with suicidal thoughts,click here for resources. 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. His screenshot of her alleged storyline is not dated and has no time, video or chat from her, the family statement said. 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. What do the orange, green dots on my iPhone mean? Dennis parents, multiple agencies and local residents had been involved in anearly two-week searchfor the student. 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. Cameras last captured 19-year-old Saniyya Dennis leaving her dorm room, last Saturday night Dennis, of Bronx, New York, is a college sophomore. According to investigators, her boyfriend broke up with her that day. About 11 p.m. Anyone with information is asked to contact Buffalo State Police at (716) 878-6333. 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. But Flynn says her body may not be able to be recovered. ", Saniyya worked two jobs. At 12:19 a.m., the male friend called her and they spoke for 45 minutes, Flynn said. IE 11 is not supported. 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. Did you encounter any technical issues? 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,. The 19-year-old was last seen on April 24. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Missing SUNY Buffalo State College student Saniyya Dennis. However, cellphone records showed that to not be true. 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. All evidence indicates that Saniyya ended her own life, but the investigation into her disappearance will not be closed until she is found. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Theyve been placing flyers on any available surface and calling for the publics help. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Dennis had not been in contact with her family, according to Carey. 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. . All Rights Reserved. (Courtesy Dennis family) Flynn said on the afternoon of April 24, Dennis got into an argument with her boyfriend in New York City. According to the DA, video from the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority showed she rode two different buses going toward Niagara Falls. 2023 Cable News Network. Dennis, a sophomore at Buffalo State College, disappeared after leaving her dorm on April 24. The family told reporters that they were alerted by one of Dennis' friends that she may have gotten on a bus to Niagara Park. 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.. "This is not like her. 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. "My daughter is a Black honor roll student at the college and has no tendency of doing nothing, Calvin Byrd, Dennis father, said. Missing Buffalo State College student Saniyya Dennis is believed to have taken her own life. Her father, Calvin Byrd, has since traveled to Niagara Falls to search for his daughter. "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.". Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Buffalo State University Police says. During a news conference on Friday, Dennis family members said it was uncharacteristic of her to suddenly disappear. 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. Saniyya Dennis, 19, was last seen leaving her dorm room at the SUNY Buffalo .