20-year-old Kutztown University student dies after extortion on Instagram and Snapchat leading to homicide ruling and lawsuit against Meta and Snap Inc.
Summary
A 20-year-old Kutztown University student, Jack Sullivan, was extorted on Instagram and Snapchat in January 2023, leading to his death. A user named Alice Dave initiated a flirtatious conversation, which escalated to threats that Sullivan would share intimate photos unless he paid money. After transferring $2,800, Sullivan was found dead on train tracks near Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, less than 24 hours after the initial message. The coroner later changed the cause of death from suicide to homicide after learning of the extortion. Sullivan’s parents filed a lawsuit against Meta (owner of Instagram) and Snap Inc. (owner of Snapchat), alleging the platforms facilitated the crime and failed to remove predatory accounts. The case also names SEPTA and landowners near the tracks as defendants.
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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