Utica, New York – Kim Devins continues to endure the haunting reminders of her daughter Bianca’s tragic death through online interactions. Bianca Devins, a 17-year-old, was brutally murdered by a man she had met on Instagram. Following her death, graphic images of her corpse circulated widely on various online platforms, sparking callous reactions and even celebration from some users.
In the midst of her grief, Kim Devins bravely speaks out in Investigation Discovery’s “Deadly Influence,” shedding light on the dark realities of toxic online communities and the dangers lurking on social media. The series delves into the aftermath of Bianca’s murder, highlighting the need for legislative and social media reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Bianca, described as a “bright light,” faced her own battles with mental health, finding solace and camaraderie in online communities due to struggles connecting with peers in real life. However, her online presence took a dark turn when she encountered Brandon Clark, who she met on Instagram. Their acquaintance quickly escalated into a personal relationship, culminating in a horrific and tragic end.
Kim Devins, Bianca’s mother, reflects on the deceptive nature of online interactions and the challenges she faced in monitoring her daughter’s online activities. Despite her efforts to protect Bianca, the tragedy unfolded, leaving a devastating impact on the Devins family and the community.
As the story unfolds, Devins advocates for legislative changes to hold social media platforms accountable for disseminating graphic content, leading to the passing of Bianca’s Law by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. The law criminalizes the unlawful dissemination of personal images, particularly crime scene photos, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Moving forward, Devins continues to fight for justice and urges parents to remain vigilant in monitoring their children’s online activities, emphasizing the unpredictable and dangerous nature of online interactions. Despite her efforts, the pain and trauma of losing Bianca remain a constant struggle for Devins and her family, highlighting the urgent need for societal awareness and regulatory measures to protect vulnerable individuals in the digital age.
“Deadly Influence” offers a poignant portrayal of Bianca’s story and the enduring impact of her tragic death. The broadcast serves as a reminder of the complex challenges posed by online platforms and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from harm.