Alaska Woman Sentenced to 99 Years for Murder of "Best Friend" in Catfishing Scheme

In a tragic case that shocked the nation, Denali Brehmer, a 24-year-old woman from Alaska, has been sentenced to 99 years in prison for her role in the murder of her 19-year-old friend Cynthia Hoffman back in 2019. The sentencing marks the culmination of a disturbing catfishing scheme that led to the untimely death of Hoffman, who was described by her father as having developmental disabilities and who considered Brehmer to be her closest companion. The chilling events unfolded when Hoffman went missing during a hike at Thunderbird Falls, Alaska, accompanied by Brehmer and another friend. Two days later, her lifeless body was discovered along the banks of a river, bound with duct tape and fatally shot in the back of the head. The investigation into Hoffman's murder revealed a harrowing web of deceit orchestrated by a man named Darin Schilmiller, based in Indiana, who had allegedly catfished Hoffman under the guise of a wealthy benefactor named "Tyler." Schilmiller offered Brehmer a staggering $9 million to carry out the murder and provide him with photos and videos of the crime. Brehmer, along with another friend, Kayden McIntosh, who was 18 at the time, allegedly drove Hoffman to the remote location where McIntosh shot her after she was duct-taped and posed for disturbing photographs. While Brehmer did not physically pull the trigger, prosecutors argued that her active participation in the planning and execution of the crime made her equally culpable for Hoffman's death. Patrick McKay, the prosecutor handling the case, emphasized Brehmer's integral role in the murder, stating, "She may not have pulled the trigger, but this never would have happened if it weren’t for Denali Brehmer." McIntosh, who faces murder charges, is still awaiting trial, while another individual connected to the case, Caleb Leyland, has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and awaits sentencing. Additionally, two other teens involved in the incident were prosecuted in juvenile court for their alleged roles. Brehmer's sentencing to 99 years in prison was met with somber reflection from Timothy Hoffman, Cynthia's father, who lamented the loss of his daughter and the betrayal by someone she considered a friend. "My daughter just wanted friends, and now I have to bury her," Hoffman expressed during a court appearance in 2019. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of online manipulation and the devastating consequences that can arise from sinister schemes, leaving a community grappling with grief and seeking justice for a life tragically cut short. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com