Bianca Devins murder: Man admits killing Instagram star after posting gruesome images online
He initially pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder after Ms Devins’ death in July
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A man has pleaded guilty to the murder of teenage Instagram star Bianca Devins after sharing gruesome images of her body online.
Brandon Clark, 21, from Cicero, New York, entered a plea of guilty for second-degree murder for the July killing of the 17-year-old social star, months after he plead not guilty.
On July 14, Mr Clark allegedly slit the throat of Devins in Utica, New York, before attempting to kill himself, police said.
He then posted bloody images of himself with Devins’ body on Discord, an online chat service, and his own Instagram page. One image showed Mr Clark with a self-inflicted cut on his own neck.
Friends and family said Mr Clark and Devins were not romantically involved, according to police, but the man got jealous after the pair attended a concert in New York City together on July 13. Devins kissed another man at the concert and it sparked a furious reaction from Mr Clark.
He initially pleaded not guilty in connection to the murder and was set to go to trial later this month before changing his plea. In court, Mr Clark apologised for his actions. When speaking to the judge, Mr Clark said Devins “didn’t deserve what happened to her”.
“I think I need to realise what I did I can’t undo, as much as I want to,’’ he said. “I have to face it.”
The pictures Mr Clark shared of Ms Devins’ body on social media filtered across multiple platforms. While some companies removed the images, they still exist in other places of the Internet.
Ms Devins mother, Kim Devins, has since worked with politicians to advocate for social media reform, specifically as it relates to the posting of graphic images like the ones of her daughter.
Sentencing is expected in April and Mr Clark, who is currently in Oneida County jail, could face up to 25 years to life in prison.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments