The murder of 19-year-old Cynthia “CC” Hoffman in 2019 sent shockwaves through Alaska and made national headlines. The young woman’s life was tragically cut short, orchestrated by someone she considered her best friend – Denali Brehmer. What unfolded was a chilling tale of online manipulation, a murder-for-hire plot, and the devastating consequences of cybercrime.
Brehmer’s path to becoming a convicted killer began with online conversations with a man she believed to be “Tyler,” a millionaire from Kansas. In reality, “Tyler” was Darin Schilmiller, an Indiana man using a false identity to catfish Brehmer.
Denali Brehmer, convicted in the murder of Cynthia Hoffman, appears in court.
Schilmiller, exploiting Brehmer’s vulnerabilities, offered her a staggering $9 million to commit murder. While Schilmiller didn’t specify a target, Brehmer set her sights on Hoffman, a young woman with developmental disabilities who she claimed to be her best friend.
Retired FBI agent Colin Schmidt, commenting on the case, highlighted the unusual nature of the crime in Alaska, stating, “There’s just not a lot of violent crime in Alaska.” The details of the case, however, revealed a disturbing trend of online predation and the very real dangers lurking in cyberspace.
Cynthia "CC" Hoffman, 19, was found dead near a river in Alaska in 2019. Her friend, Denali Brehmer, was later convicted of her murder.
Brehmer, driven by the promise of wealth and influenced by Schilmiller’s manipulation, enlisted the help of several acquaintances. Kaden McIntosh, Caleb Leyland, and two other juveniles, lured Hoffman into the woods near Anchorage under the pretense of a hike. There, McIntosh shot Hoffman in the back of the head, a chilling execution orchestrated by Brehmer.
Schmidt emphasized the lack of impulse control exhibited by the young perpetrators, stating, “These are kids who don’t have any impulse controls… there was a high probability they would have done some other violent act.” This chilling observation underscores the potential consequences of unchecked aggression and the role of online influence in shaping dangerous behaviors.
Darin Schilmiller was sentenced to 99 years in prison for his role in the murder of Cynthia Hoffman.
As the investigation unfolded, it was revealed that Schilmiller’s crimes extended beyond the murder-for-hire plot. He had also solicited child sexual abuse material from Brehmer, requesting she assault a child and send him photos and videos. Schilmiller subsequently pleaded guilty to both the murder conspiracy and the child sexual exploitation charges.
Retired FBI agent Schmidt, reflecting on Schilmiller’s motives, stated, “What I’ve seen over my time in the FBI as well as… regular law enforcement is basically it’s a… it’s a matter of power. They want these cat-fishers want to have this power over these… frankly, their victims and be able to… to basically be the puppet master and pull strings.”
The case serves as a stark reminder of the very real dangers of online interactions. The anonymity of the internet can embolden predators, allowing them to create elaborate facades to deceive and manipulate their victims. The case also highlights the devastating consequences of cybercrime, extending beyond the digital realm and into the physical world with tragic results.
Brehmer’s trial concluded in February 2023, with her pleading guilty to solicitation of murder, tampering with evidence, and second-degree murder. Assistant District Attorney Patrick McKay Jr., emphasizing the severity of Brehmer’s crimes, stated, “The court should find that Miss Bremer engaged in one of the most serious crimes that we have in Alaska. She executed Cynthia Hoffman in a murder-for-hire plot.”
The judge presiding over the case described Hoffman’s murder as “tragic and senseless,” highlighting the gravity of the crime and the far-reaching impact on the lives of those involved. Brehmer’s sentencing hearing, a three-day affair, resulted in a significant prison sentence, reflecting the severity of her crimes and the need for justice for Cynthia Hoffman.
Schilmiller, the mastermind behind the gruesome plot, received a 99-year prison sentence, a stark reminder that justice will be served, even across state lines, for those who exploit and manipulate others online.
The tragic case of Cynthia Hoffman serves as a stark warning about the dangers of online predation and the importance of cyber safety. Parents, educators, and law enforcement agencies must work together to educate young people about the risks associated with online interactions and empower them to protect themselves from online predators.
