Murder of Bianca Devins

Murder of Bianca Devins
Bianca Devins (undated photo)
Location	Utica, New York, U.S.
Date	July 14, 2019; 4 years ago (2019-07-14)
Attack type	Child murder by stabbing
Deaths	1 (Devins)
Injured	1 (Clark; self-inflicted)
Victim	Bianca Michelle Devins, aged 17
Perpetrator	Brandon Andrew Clark
Motive	Jealousy,[1] obsession
Verdict	Pleaded guilty
Convictions	Second-degree murder
Outcome	"Bianca's Law" signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2022
Sentence	Life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 25 years
Litigation	Lawsuit against the Oneida County District Attorney's office by Devins's parents

Bianca Michelle Devins (October 2, 2001 – July 14, 2019) was an American teenager from Utica, New York, who was murdered by a male acquaintance, Brandon Andrew Clark, on July 14, 2019. Following a botched suicide attempt, Clark was charged with second-degree murder. He subsequently pleaded guilty to the murder and was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.

Police reports stated that Devins and Clark were in an intimate relationship, although the two perceived the relationship differently. Devins' sister called Clark a close family friend, while others feared he was exploitative. The murder took place after Clark allegedly witnessed Devins kissing another man.

Devins' murder received considerable attention from the press and social media. Initial reports were marred by misinformation. Photos of Devins' corpse were taken by Clark and shared widely online, sparking both mockery and sympathy. Social media companies' responses were subject to criticism, leading to the introduction of legislation. Commentators have discussed the unique nature of the crime and its relation to the structure of social media.