Teen Charged With Plotting to Kill Best Friend For $9 Million Online
An 18‑year‑old from Anchorage, Denali Brehmer, faces 1st‑degree murder and conspiracy charges after a 21‑year‑old from Indiana promised her a staggering $9 million to kill her best friend. The plot started over a fake online persona called “Tyler.”
How the Dark Plan Began
- Darin Schilmiller hired Brehmer to murder a woman in Alaska.
- Schilmiller pretended to be a billionaire named Tyler.
- During their online chats, they talked about raping and killing someone.
- He offered Brehmer the money in exchange for video evidence.
The Victim: Cynthia Hoffman
Cynthia, 19, was rumored to have a learning disability. According to her father, she had a “12‑year‑old mindset” that made her an easy target.
Execution of the Crime
- On June 2, Brehmer lured Hoffman to a remote trail near Anchorage.
- She was bound with duct tape and shot once to the back of the head.
- Her body was pushed into a river and later found on June 4.
Who Was Involved?
- Denali Brehmer – 18
- Kayden McIntosh – 16, who fired the gun
- Darin Schilmiller – 21, the mastermind
- Three other conspirators who helped plan or carry out the murder
Charges and Indictments
- All six defendants pleaded 1st‑degree murder, conspiracy to murder, 2nd‑degree murder and solicitation to murder.
- Schilmiller and Brehmer faced federal charges for child pornography and exploitation.
- Each murder charge carries up to 99 years; the conspiracy can add another 99 years.
- The child‑pornography case could bring life in prison.
Investigators said Brehmer sent Schilmiller Snapchat photos of Hoffman tied up and the aftermath. A search on Brehmer’s phone revealed videos of minors in sexual acts, sent straight to Schilmiller.
Final Notes
What started as a “laugh‑and‑laugh‑and‑laugh” chat turned into a terrifying conspiracy. The legal proceedings will likely take years, but the stakes are sky‑high—both literally and legally.
