Cynthia Hoffman,19, from Anchorage, Alaska was murdered by her friend, Denali Brehmer, 18, in a murder-for-hire plot planned by a man posing as a millionaire online
Brehmer’s connection with Darin Schimiller, an Indiana resident, began online. She believed he was a 21-year-old millionaire, who offered her $9 million in exchange for documenting a murder.
Darin provided instructions for murder through messages
Brehmer involved her two friends Kayden McIntosh,16, and Caleb Leyland,19, by promising them cuts of the reward
On June 2, 2019, Brehmer and McIntosh invited Cynthia Hoffman on a hike at Thunderbird Falls
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During the hike, Cynthia was bound with duct tape around her hands, ankles, and mouth
McIntosh then allegedly shot her in the back of her head, and Cynthia’s body was pushed into the Eklutna River.
Cynthia’s father reported her missing and the police found her body after searching.
The Anchorage Police along with FBI and Indiana State Police got a hand on text messages and digital evidence linking Brehmer to Schimiller
Digital evidence including text messages, photos, and videos revealed the crime.
Schimiller’s words were nothing but hollow about the payout
In January and February 2024, Brehmer was sentenced to 99 years in prison with no chance of parole while Schimiller received 99 years of prison with parole eligibility after serving 45 years. (via Alaska Department of Law)
Leyland pled guilty to second-degree murder and awaits sentencing, with a possible 75-year term. McIntosh’s trial is still pending.
Anchorage Assistant District Attorney Patrick J. McKay stated “She executed Cynthia Hoffman in a murder-for-hire plot…She may not have pulled the trigger but this never would have happened if it weren’t for Denali Brehmer.”(via Inside Edition)
Anchorage Superior Court Judge Andrew Peterson stated watching the video of Cynthia’s last moments, bound and defenseless, was “one of the most difficult pieces of evidence I’ve had to watch in this position.”
Cynthia was vulnerable due to her developmental disabilities.
Cynthia’s father, Timothy Hoffman, expressed grief at his daughter’s death, noting that she trusted Brehmer as her “best friend” and just wanted friends. (via People)
