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Thursday, Jun 18, 2026
Outside the box.
Denali Brehmer Sentenced for Murder of Best Friend
Alaskan Woman Convicted of Killing Due to Online Catfishing Scheme
In 2019, Denali Brehmer, a 23-year-old from Anchorage, Alaska, murdered her best friend, Cynthia Hoffman, 19, due to an elaborate online scam.
Brehmer was deceived by Darin Schilmiller, a 21-year-old from Indiana, who posed as a wealthy man promising $9 million if she killed someone.
This tragic event took place after Brehmer recruited friends, Kayden McIntosh and Caleb Leyland, to help carry out the murder at Thunderbird Falls.
Hoffman's murder was documented through photos and videos sent to Schilmiller as proof.
Brehmer pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to 99 years in prison in 2023.
Schilmiller, living in his grandparents' basement, was also sentenced to 99 years.
In a Court TV interview, Brehmer admitted guilt, attributing her actions to a mix of premeditation and panic, and expressed remorse over a fight with Hoffman regarding a boy named Zack.
This case highlights the severe consequences of digital deceit and manipulation.
Brehmer was deceived by Darin Schilmiller, a 21-year-old from Indiana, who posed as a wealthy man promising $9 million if she killed someone.
This tragic event took place after Brehmer recruited friends, Kayden McIntosh and Caleb Leyland, to help carry out the murder at Thunderbird Falls.
Hoffman's murder was documented through photos and videos sent to Schilmiller as proof.
Brehmer pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to 99 years in prison in 2023.
Schilmiller, living in his grandparents' basement, was also sentenced to 99 years.
In a Court TV interview, Brehmer admitted guilt, attributing her actions to a mix of premeditation and panic, and expressed remorse over a fight with Hoffman regarding a boy named Zack.
This case highlights the severe consequences of digital deceit and manipulation.