The father of a Bridgeport man accused in the gruesome murder of a social media star from Utica, once threatened to kill his wife and himself, according to court records.
Brandon Clark, 21, is facing second-degree murder charges for the death of Bianca Devins, 17. His father, Jason, told CNYCentral exclusively that he wants to apologize to the victim's family.
In messages sent to CNYCentral, Clark also said that while Brandon was raised right, “there was some dysfunction.”
Jason Clark didn’t elaborate, but Oswego County Court records show he has been arrested four times since 1996. That year, Clark was convicted of assault.
In 1998, he was convicted of burglary, and in 2002, Clark was convicted of attempted criminal possession of a forged instrument.
Most recently, in 2010, Clark was in a 10-hour standoff with Fulton police.
He faced 5 charges for threatening to kill his wife at the time by holding a knife to her throat.
Clark’s son is accused of cutting Devins’ throat and posting pictures of her dead body online.
Utica police say they have no indication right now that Brandon was influenced to kill Devins because of what his father threatened to do in 2010.
The social media star’s friend, Tea Parker, says she holds Brandon Clark responsible and isn't making much of the apology Jason Clark gave to the Devins family.
“I don't think there is any way to excuse or apologize for something so horrible. No apology is going to make it any better. We just wish she was here,” Parker said.
“She was a beautiful person inside and out. A kind heart, a friendly smile. Very helpful and she did make a positive impact on many people's lives.”
Utica police say that while they aren't considering mental illness as a motive for Brandon right now, the investigation is ongoing, and they have a lot more digging to do.
Calling hours for Devins will be held Thursday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Utica.
The funeral will be held on Friday at 1 p.m. at the same location.