CICERO, NY (WSTM) - Brandon Andrew Clark, 21, from Bridgeport, has been charged with second-degree murder for the death of Bianca Devins, a 17-year-old social media star from Utica.
Police say the pair allegedly met on Instagram and had been romantically involved for roughly two months. They spent time together and had both met each other's families, according to police.
Devin was a popular social media personality with a following on Instagram, 4chan, and Discord.
Police say that the two met on Saturday in order to head to a concert in New York City. Officials believe that an argument at the concert escalated to Clark killing Devins with a large, black knife on Sunday when they arrived back in Utica.
Investigators believe that this is when Clark took pictures of Devins' body and shared them on social media.
On Sunday morning, police say that Clark called 911 and alluded that he was going to harm himself while making other incriminating statements. The call was traced to Poe Street, where officers discovered Clark lying on the ground and approached him. As the officers approached, Clark began to stab himself in the neck with a knife, according to police.
Emergency medical care was immediately requested, and the Utica Fire Department arrived soon after.
After attempting to injure himself, police say Clark laid down across a green tarp that hid Devins' body. Police said that they could see Devins' hair from under the tarp. Clark pulled out his cell phone and began taking selfies of himself lying across the body, according to police.
Officers were able to disarm Clark and take him into custody, transporting him to St. Elizabeth's Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. He is expected to survive.
Graphic photos of Devins' body were shared and circulated across social media. Police are asking anyone that sees the pictures to report them.
A search warrant for Clark's home in Bridgeport was obtained by Utica Police, however, they have not reported what they may have found at the residence.
Devins' murder has gone viral on social media and been picked up by national outlets such as Rolling Stone, The NY Post, and Buzzfeed News.
Her family has released the following statement:
We are very grateful for the outpouring of love and sympathy we have received from our Friends, Family, Bianca’s Friends and the whole community. Your prayers help to strengthen us through this difficult time.
Bianca, age 17, was a talented artist, a loving sister, daughter, and cousin, and a wonderful young girl, taken from us all too soon. She is now looking down on us, as she joins her cat, Belle, in heaven. Bianca’s smile brightened our lives. She will always be remembered as our Princess.
Bianca graduated from T. R. Proctor High School this past June and was looking forward to attending MVCC in the fall.
Clark is currently in custody of the Oneida County Jail.