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UPDATE 19 year old Saniyya Dennis, student at Buffalo State College missing since 4/24: DA believes she has taken her own life.

Mz. Judgement

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DA: Missing Buff State student appears to have died of suicide​

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Thursday morning, we received an update on the disappearance of Buffalo State College student Saniyya Dennis.

Dennis, 19, was last seen leaving her dorm on April 24. In the middle of that day, Erie County District Attorney John Flynn says Dennis had been in an argument with her boyfriend that ended with him breaking up with her.

Dennis continued to attempt contacting him, and said she was going to kill herself.

Her boyfriend was in New York City the entire time, and is not considered a suspect in her disappearance.

Later that day, in another conversation with a male friend in New York City, she said she was planning to commit suicide.

That evening, Dennis and her friend stayed on the phone together for about four hours. In that conversation, she had said she was reconsidering what she said about suicide, and was feeling better than she was earlier.

About an hour after that phone conversation ended, Dennis threw personal items into a garbage can. Flynn did not say what those items were, but said they would make someone believe she wasn’t planning to return to her dorm.

This was around 11 p.m. Shortly after throwing those personal items away, her bus card was swiped at a nearby bus.

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. Around Midnight, Dennis texted her mother, telling her she loves her and that she’ll call her the next day.

She also texted her friend, saying she wouldn’t see him this summer.

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.
As she was there, she received a text from a friend telling her to call him or else he’ll call police.

He then called her, and they spoke for about 45 minutes. In that conversation, Dennis said she was going to jump off a bridge.

Around 1 a.m., Dennis took a Snapchat selfie near the Nikola Tesla monument. Niagara Falls was in the background.

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. But that was not true, according to cell phone records.

Minutes after that, her cell phone left the cellular network, meaning it was either powered off or destroyed.

All of this information was provided to Dennis’ parents on Wednesday afternoon.



“It appears this poor girl took her own life,” Flynn says.

“Yesterday afternoon, members of my office met with the family of Saniyya Dennis to provide an update on the investigation into her disappearance. 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.
While the Erie County District Attorney’s 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.
My office and our partners in law enforcement have found no evidence of any criminality in this case. All evidence indicates that Saniyya ended her own life, but the investigation into her disappearance will not be closed until she is found.
My thoughts and prayers remain with Saniyya’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Thank you to all who have assisted in the search to find Saniyya. I commend SUNY Buffalo State College, Buffalo State College University Police, New York State Park Police, Niagara Frontier Transit Authority Police, New York State Police, Mayor Byron Brown, Buffalo Police Department, Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, Niagara Regional Police, New York Police Department, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies who have dedicated their time and resources to this ongoing investigation.
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.”
ERIE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY JOHN FLYNN
Multiple agencies have been involved in the search for Dennis, and the search will continue until she’s found. But Flynn says her body may not be able to be recovered.

Watch the full conference below:



Depression and suicidal thoughts are often exhibited in many ways. Warning signs for suicide can include, but are not limited to, talking about wanting to die; conveying feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or being a burden; and displaying extreme moods.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). It is a free, 24/7 service that offers support, information, and local resources. You can also click here for additional hotlines within your state.
If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention advises that you do not leave the person alone, call a prevention hotline, and take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional.
For more information on suicide prevention, including additional resources and warning signs, you can visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s website.
For resources specific to police officers, click here.

INFORMATION SHARED BY NEXSTAR CONTRIBUTOR PIX 11
Evan Anstey is a digital content producer who has been part of the News 4 team since 2015. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.


DA Press conference











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LOCAL NEWS

Missing Buffalo State student's parents 'very concerned' about their daughter​

Police say there was nothing suspicious about the way she left her room, and that there's no indication of a criminal investigatiAuthor: Jeff Preval


Published: 5:19 PM EDT April 29, 2021

Updated: 5:41 PM EDT April 29, 2021
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BUFFALO, N.Y. — Family and friends of a missing Buffalo State student are hoping that she is found safely.
Saniyya Dennis, 19, has been missing since Saturday night. She was last seen leaving her residence hall on campus.
"I'm very concerned about Saniyya," said Saniyya's mom, Latisha Dennis.
Saniyya is a sophomore, an honor and engineering student from the Bronx. Her parents traveled to Buffalo to search for their daughter, who they say they haven't heard from in six days.

"We just want our daughter back. We love her and miss her very much, and this is really hard," Latisha said.
An elevator surveillance picture shows the last time she was seen – Saturday around 11 p.m., leaving her dorm room in Bishop Hall. Saniyya's mom says she talked to her the previous day.
"She's more of a home body, and if she was to go out, it was a big event going on, she would be happy to share it. She often shared things with me that she was doing, so I have no idea where she was going," Latisha said. "It was reported that she hadn’t shown up to work, and she didn’t show up to class, and she’s not like that. She’s very studious."

University Police say they've talked to friends of Saniyya, who say they saw her earlier in the day Saturday, but don't know where she was going. Because of COVID restrictions, students don't have roommates.
"It does provide us with less information than you would have with a situation where a student was residing with a roommate," University Police chief Peter Carey said.
Police say there was nothing suspicious about the way she left her room, and that there's no indication of a criminal investigation.
"I'm offering a reward out of my own money, $10,000, $20,000, whatever. I swear I'll pay, just give details. You don't even have to tell your name, just details that connect. I swear I'll pay you, I just want to get my daughter back, that's it," said Calvin Bird, Saniyya's dad.
Added Latisha: "If anybody seen her if anybody heard from her no matter what just call."
University Police say they're working with NFTA Police and police downstate to find Saniyaa. If you have any information about her whereabouts you're asked to call University Police at 716-878-6333.

Police say they do have information on which way she left campus, but that hasn't led to any substantive leads.
Missing students are rare at Buffalo State.
"We’ve never had a missing person case such as this we’re experiencing now with Ms. Dennis," Carey said.
Latisha Dennis says she will put up signs around campus Friday hoping that lead to her daughter being found.
 
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AmIRight

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I pray they find her alive. There has been an influx of missing Black college girls in the news. The police and colleges never seem to take these cases seriously either.
 

Myrhh

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She's so pretty. I hope she's safe.
These predators target college students, I've heard about way too many college girls between 18-22 being trafficked.
 

leelee16

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I hope Saniyya is found safe, sound and soon. I can't imagine sending your baby off to school ( especially in these times) and have them go missing. Her parents must be a wreck!.
 

Luxurious

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Prayers that baby girl is found safe and healthy and soon.

Not being able to mount a full scale search with volunteers because of covid must be so frustrating for her family.
 

Fly2TheMoon

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A homebody left her dorm at 11 PM and hasn’t been seen since? This doesn’t sound good. But I won’t be speak any negativity over her. I hope she is found safe and sound.
 

Mz. Judgement

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Don't know how to add video​

Bronx family pushes for release of surveillance amid search for missing teen student from Buffalo University​

A Bronx family is pushing for the quick release of surveillance video that they believe might yield clues to the whereabouts of 19-year-old Saniyya Dennis, a missing Buffalo University student who was last seen close to a week ago.
The 19-year-old honor student was last seen on camera leaving her dorm hall on April 24 around 10:30 p.m.
Investigators believe Dennis may have traveled by bus to Goat Island near Niagara Falls, which is the last known location where her cellphone was pinged.
The family is now working for the release of surveillance video from the Niagara Falls Transit Authority, which reportedly could take about a week to obtain as the case intensifies.
Dennis is a sophomore at the college. She works two jobs and is majoring in mechanical engineering.
Her family says she’s very responsible and calls them frequently. They say it’s not her character just to take off.
They say they are offering a reward for anyone who can bring Dennis home.

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Cher Horowitz

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I’ve been calling all my friends and hotel ppl in Buffalo to get the word out. Even my daughters little friends circle. This is so weird to me and the police chief or whatever isn’t creating the necessary urgency. I think this is connected to a boy or some sneaky link because who was texting back and forth to her phone. I wish they could at least find the phone. Maybe she was meeting someone and once they located her ???? This is not sitting right with me. 40 is in pain. He’s always had good spirit I hope this doesn’t break him. This a parent worst nightmare. We all got kids yo.
 
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My
I’ve been calling all my friends and hotel ppl in Buffalo to get the word out. Even my daughters little friends circle. This is so weird to me and the police chief or whatever isn’t creating the necessary urgency. I think this is connected to a boy or some sneaky link because who was texting back and forth to her phone. I wish they could at least find the phone. Maybe she was meeting someone and once they located her ???? This is not sitting right with me. 40 is in pain. He’s always had good spirit I hope this doesn’t break him. This a parent worst nightmare. We all got kids yo.
first thoughts as well. I’m a homebody and that’s the only reason I’ll leave out that late usually or for an event. And her said she tells her about big events. Pray she is found safe
 

TDOT20

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I really hope she is found safe, if she was meeting someone, it seems a long way. She would have at least told someone.
Was she under any stress or depression. I have gone to Niagara Falls alone to clear my head. The water can be very captivating.

Two jobs and doing mechanical engineering, that's a heavy load.
 

Mz. Judgement

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Still missing: Search for Buffalo State student Saniyya Dennis continues​


Her family was back at Niagara Falls State Park on Saturday, searching some more. Flyers are also posted all around the city.

0b348881-cdc0-4d5a-b779-e6773d7ac78d_16x9.jpg
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Author: WGRZ Staff

Published: 7:23 PM EDT May 1, 2021

Updated: 7:39 PM EDT May 1, 2021

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — The search for missing Buffalo State student Saniyya Dennis continues this weekend as her family expresses frustration with the investigation.

A group was back at Niagara Falls State Park on Saturday, searching near Goat Island - the last place police say her phone was pinged. Flyers are also posted all around the city.



Dennis was last seen leaving her dorm room shortly before midnight on April 24. Buffalo State Police say they also have a video of Saniyya at the NFTA's bus terminal downtown, but that clip has not been made public.

Her father shared his thoughts through Instagram stories earlier Saturday.

"It's day five or six of the search for my daughter, Saniyya Dennis. We're not going to give up," Calvin Byrb said.

He added: "I appreciate anybody that has been reaching out, wanting to help. And like I said, if you've got any tips you know, please reach out. It can be anonymous, please be respectful, please be real, be respectful."

Anyone with information about Saniyya Dennis is encouraged to call the police at (716) 878-6333.




 

Mz. Judgement

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As family demands answers, community increases search for Saniyya Dennis​




As family demands answers, community increases search for Saniyya Dennis

By: Jeff Slawson
Posted at 11:26 PM, Apr 30, 2021

and last updated 11:37 PM, Apr 30, 2021

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The family of Buffalo State student Saniyya Dennis, demanding local officials increase their efforts to find her.
"Tell us information, tell us something and that is not happening," Dennis' Uncle said.
During a tense press conference held at Buff State, the family said they believed that the City is not doing enough to search for Dennis.

This all started on Saturday, the last time Dennis' family heard from her. Security camera footage shows her leaving Buffalo State's campus at around 11:00pm. Her cell phone then pinged off of a cell tower near Niagara Falls State Park a couple hours later at 1:23 am. It is information officials did not discover until phone records came back on Tuesday. Officials believed she could have taken a bus to Niagara Falls, leading to the ping. It is something that was confirmed just before the press conference was abruptly ended.
What exactly is on the bus video is unknown. Since Dennis went missing, there was no official search party. High winds meant there was no helicopter search of Niagara Falls State Park. Learning of this, Julia Stevens with Allies for Black Justice decided to form one.
"We want to make sure that her face is everywhere," Stevens said, "that everywhere you go in Niagara Falls you know to look out for this girl."
Putting "missing" posters up all around the area near the ping, Stevens is hoping the community keeps their eyes open.
"It's important for the community to get together especially for a young black woman."
More search parties are expected in the next coming days.

 

Allure Me

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I hope they find her soon. It's been over a week now. There's something missing about this story. I wonder who are her friends at the university. Was she involved with someone? I remember when I was in University friends of mine were involved in escorting.
 

Toughcookie91

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The answers definitely lie in whoever she was meeting up with. I’ve been to Niagra Falls at night and it is really dark and secluded over there on the New York side of the falls.
 

Mz. Judgement

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Mayor Brown meets with the family of missing Buffalo State student Saniyya Dennis​


by: News 4 Staff
Posted: May 2, 2021 / 06:30 PM EDT / Updated: May 2, 2021 / 08:59 PM EDT


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.
Buffalo State University Police says Saniyya was last seen leaving her dorm on April 24. She then headed toward Elmwood Avenue, and police later said there’s a video of her at a bus terminal.

Dennis’ family has been critical of police efforts so far and City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown.
Mayor Brown said he met with Saniyya’s parents offering his support and that of the Buffalo Police Department.
“It was a good meeting with the parents, but obviously they are deeply concerned with the whereabouts of their daughter, and the parents are here in town from New York City to do every single thing that they can to aid in the investigation,” said Mayor Brown.
Dennis’ family has continued searching the Niagara Falls area ever since learning her phone last pinged near Goat Island. Buffalo State University Police is leading this investigation.

Mayor Brown meets with the family of missing Buffalo State student Saniyya Dennis
 

Cher Horowitz

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that ig just completely phuked my head up when I got to the first pic. This sh!t is eerie now.
 

CominUpRoses

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Seeing that she posted a picture last year at Niagra Falls at night concerns me. I wonder if she was having mental health issues or needed to clear her mind. I really hope that she's okay. I don't want to speculate too soon because I wanna believe the best.
 

Cher Horowitz

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Seeing that she posted a picture last year at Niagra Falls at night concerns me. I wonder if she was having mental health issues or needed to clear her mind. I really hope that she's okay. I don't want to speculate too soon because I wanna believe the best.
Same here. I figured she was stressed and went to get drugs or link wit a guy. But now I dunno. I also looked at the ppl she follows. One ( of 22) seems like a girl she knows from school but her profile pic was her standing by the same waterfall area( understandably everyone takes pics in that spot) BUT. It was taken in the evening hours by the skies.That girl knows why she went up there. It seemed like a thing the kids did to head up there. Somebody HAS to know something.
 

Fly2TheMoon

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I really hope she is found safe, if she was meeting someone, it seems a long way. She would have at least told someone.
Was she under any stress or depression. I have gone to Niagara Falls alone to clear my head. The water can be very captivating.

Two jobs and doing mechanical engineering, that's a heavy load.
Yes that is a very heavy load for 19 year old girl. That’s heavy heavy load for some people way older. It’s possible she went to clear her mind to relieve some stress. She may have gotten a hotel room somewhere. When I was in college, sometimes I would go back to my dorm and scream at the top of my lungs because I was so overwhelmed. I would’ve gone and gotten away for a while if I could.
 
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Lala1244

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I’ve been checking her dad’s page daily. I really hope she’s somewhere safe.
Me too. I’m on his page daily. I wonder if someone else had her phone to throw people off that she was at the falls ? Either way this is so sad and I pray for her and her family that she is found safe.

The authorities already botched this investigation by taking too long to get things done. The first few days were crucial in helping to locate her.
 

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