Dozens gather to say goodbye to Utica teen whose murder captured national attention

UTICA, NY — Family and friends gathered on Friday to say their final goodbyes to Bianca Devins, the 17-year-old Utica teen whose brutal murder captured national attention after photos of her body were shared across social media by the man arrested for the killing.

Devins' funeral was held in the Church Of Our Lady Lourdes in Utica.

An official donation site has been set up in Devins' name as a scholarship fund for local students. Donations can be made here.

Her family released an emotional statement remembering Devins when news of her murder first became public:

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.