Sextortion led to San Jose teen's suicide
A San Jose teenager died by suicide after being targeted in an online sextortion scheme, prompting his mother to issue a warning to other parents. Four men have been arrested and charged in connection to the case. The 17-year-old, Ryan Last, was blackmailed after sending an intimate photo. He paid $150 before taking his own life. The suspects, from the Ivory Coast, threatened to share the photo if he didn't pay thousands. The FBI reports a rise in sextortion cases, with over 54,000 victims in 2024. Ryan's mother now advocates for awareness, urging parents to communicate openly with their children about online safety.