Who is Denali Brehmer? The Young Woman Who Murdered Her Best Friend After a $9 Million Catfish Scam
In 2019, Denali Brehmer, then a 21-year-old from Anchorage, Alaska, committed a shocking crime against her close friend, Cynthia Hoffman, after being manipulated online. Brehmer was catfished by Darin Schilmiller, a 21-year-old from Indiana, who posed as a wealthy man named "Tyler." Schilmiller promised Brehmer $9 million if she killed someone and sent him proof of the murder. Driven by his demands and false promises, Brehmer ultimately took Hoffman's life.
The crime took place in June 2019, when Brehmer, accompanied by two friends, Kayden McIntosh and Caleb Leyland, took Hoffman to Thunderbird Falls under the pretense of a hiking trip. Once there, the group restrained Hoffman with duct tape, and McIntosh fatally shot her. They documented the killing with photos and videos, sending the evidence to Schilmiller via Snapchat as he had instructed. However, after the murder, Brehmer discovered that Schilmiller was not who he claimed to be and that the promised $9 million was a lie.
In 2023, Brehmer was convicted and sentenced to 99 years in prison for first-degree murder, the maximum penalty under Alaskan law. Schilmiller, who had posed as "Tyler" online to manipulate her, was also sentenced to 99 years in prison for his role in orchestrating the crime from a distance. Both McIntosh and Leyland were charged with roles in the murder as well, although their cases are handled separately.
Recently, Brehmer appeared on Court TV's Interview With a Killer, where she shared details of the crime publicly for the first time. She expressed remorse, acknowledging that her actions were a blend of premeditation and emotional turmoil. Brehmer described how tensions between her and Hoffman had been fueled by a dispute over a boy named Zack, which Schilmiller exploited in his manipulation. This combination of anger, betrayal, and online coercion ultimately led her to carry out the heinous act.
Brehmer explained that she initially felt resentment toward Hoffman but also a sense of panic as Schilmiller's demands intensified. She admitted that, at one point, she had considered reconciling with Hoffman but ultimately succumbed to Schilmiller's pressure. Reflecting on the tragedy, she stated that her actions were "unforgivable" and that she accepted full responsibility for her choices.
The case has drawn significant attention, illustrating the dark potential of online manipulation. Schilmiller's role as a catfish who influenced a young woman to murder her friend demonstrates the severe risks associated with online relationships, particularly when anonymity and deception are involved. Law enforcement officials emphasize that the case serves as a reminder to young people to exercise caution when interacting with strangers online.
In this tragic story, both Brehmer and Schilmiller now face life behind bars, a harsh but fitting consequence for a senseless crime. This case serves as a grim warning about the potential dangers of online deceit and the lasting impact of misguided choices influenced by hidden motives.
