13-year-old girl found hanging after following directions from Stephen Leedy via social media and video chat
Summary
A 13-year-old girl was found hanging from a shower head with a dog leash around her neck, according to the Justice Department, following directions from Stephen Leedy, a 59-year-old palliative care doctor in St. Petersburg, Florida. Leedy is accused of directing at least ten minors via social media and video chat to produce sexually explicit images of themselves and to cut, choke, and hang themselves. He used the username "maximumuncle#9112" to communicate with the victims and allegedly referred to himself as "my Lord" in messages. Leedy was arrested in October 2023 and faces multiple charges, including production of child sexual abuse material and coercion of minors. The indictment was filed on December 26, and if convicted, he could receive a life sentence. Prosecutors described the evidence against him as extremely strong and emphasized the danger he poses to minors.
Incident Details
Content or interactions that contribute to self-harm, suicidal ideation, or eating disorders.
Non-suicidal self-injury facilitated or encouraged through online interactions.
Content or contact linked to suicidal ideation, attempts, or completion.
Sources
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