Tragic North Country suicides linked to alleged online threats, harassment and extortion

By Kaniehtonkie

Recently two North Country youths have taken their lives in what appears to be from ongoing online harassment. Shylynn Dixon of Lisbon committed suicide on March 3 after suffering from online harassment and blackmail for over a year and a half.

Riley Basford, 15, Potsdam took his own life on March 30 after an extortion attempt and being told online that embarrassing photos would be circulated among his friends.

The death of both teens is under investigation by the New York State Police.

New York State Police told North Country This Week that the Dixon case and the Basford case shared some similarities.

The New York State Police want to warn North Country youth and especially parents. Investigators say suspect(s) will locate teen victims on social media, friending or following the teens, then gaining their trust. When trust is established, investigators say the suspects ask for photos and/or videos of the teen, usually provocative in nature. Once the videos are secured by these predators, they demand payment, sometimes thousands of dollars, or they threaten to release the images on social media.

State Police offer the following internet safety tips, for teens, or anyone who goes online.

For parents:

Talk to your children about going online and set rules about where and when they are surfing or chatting.

Monitor your children’s social media accounts

For kids and teens:

Be careful what you post. Never share personal information online. This includes full name, address, or phone number.

Don’t accept friend requests from strangers.

Don’t open emails, click on links, or download anything from unknown senders.

Never share photos online or through texts or direct message with people you don’t know.

If you, or someone you know is having thoughts of harming yourself/themselves, talk to someone who can help.

If you feel you have been a victim of this type of crime, contact your local police.

Locally, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Chief Matt Rourke encourages youth to reach out to Tribal Police or the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service.

Rourke went on to say its difficult when kids want some autonomy and parents want to keep them safe. SRMTP officers who work closely with students at Salmon River Central School, St. Regis Mohawk School and the Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club. Rourke encourages Akwesasronon youth and parents to contact them if they feel threatened online.

Rourke stated, “All of our officers are here for your safety and many kids already know officers PJ Burns, Nate Boots and Phil White. I encourage our youth and parents to reach out when you need help.”