ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A woman from Anchorage has been sentenced to 99 years in prison for her involvement in the murder of a developmentally disabled woman in a murder-for-hire plot. Denali Dakota Skye Brehmer, 24, orchestrated the death of her friend Cynthia Hoffman, who was killed at a popular trail area just north of Anchorage. Brehmer pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in February 2023.
The case stems from a $9 million offer from a man purporting to be a millionaire from the Midwest. The man, later identified as Darin Schilmiller of New Salisbury, Indiana, posed online as “Tyler” and started an online relationship with Brehmer. Together, they discussed a plan to rape and murder someone in Alaska, just three weeks before Hoffman was killed, according to court documents.
Authorities revealed that the millionaire’s only demand for payment was either photos or videos of the killing. Brehmer agreed to the offer and enlisted the help of four friends, including 16-year-old Kayden McIntosh who is being tried as an adult in the case. The group took Hoffman to Thunderbird Falls, where she was bound with duct tape, shot, and thrown into the river. They then lied to Hoffman’s family, saying they had dropped her off at an Anchorage park.
During sentencing, the judge called Hoffman’s premeditated murder-for-hire “tragic and senseless” and stated that Brehmer showed no remorse. The defense sought an 80-year sentence with 20 of those years suspended, as Alaska does not have the death penalty.
Schilmiller was also sentenced to 99 years in prison for his role in Hoffman’s murder. He admitted to federal agents and the Indiana State Police that he chose Hoffman as the victim and encouraged Brehmer to kill her. Brehmer communicated with him throughout the killing, sending Snapchat photos and videos of Hoffman while bound and after she was killed.
The case highlights the dangers of online relationships and the tragic consequences that can result from sinister intentions. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and caution, especially when interacting with individuals on the internet. The sentencing of Brehmer and Schilmiller is seen as a warning to others who may be tempted by similar plans, with the hope of deterring similar crimes in the future.