Alexis Pilkington Brutally Cyber Bullied, Even After Her Suicide

By: Edecio Martinez
Topics: Cybercrime

Alexis Pilkington (Personal Photo)

NEW YORK (CBS/WCBS/AP) West Islip High School senior Alexis Pilkington appeared to have it all. She was a popular 17-year-old and a well-liked athlete who had already landed a soccer scholarship to college.

But none of that stopped Alexis from becoming the target of nasty online comments - even after the Long Island girl committed suicide.

Alexis Pilkington (WCBS)

Now, Suffolk County police say they're investigating the messages sent before and after Alexis's death. Her parents told CBS affiliate WCBS they don't believe the messages led to her suicide, but her friends have been distraught over the creepy, insensitive messages about her, many of them posted anonymously.

"She was obviously a stupid depressed -- who deserved to kill herself. she got what she wanted. be happy for her death. rejoice in it," wrote one person.

Michael Stracuzza, father of one of Alexis' friends, told The Associated Press he's sending prosecutors information on all the harassing posts put on a Facebook memorial site. He and other parents are hoping to take legal action because of how upsetting it is for those Alexis left behind.

"It's the effect the posts have on those who are mourning that poor girl's death," said Stracuzza. "Children want to mourn their friend, and there are posts of photos with nooses around her neck. It's disgusting and heartless."

A tribute to the teen was set up on the popular social networking site, with many of her friends posting messages about how they missed her, but a flood of negative messages, many of them lewd, also piled up.

A page on formspring.me, another social networking site, also was flooded with mean-spirited messages and graphic images.

Suffolk County police said they are monitoring the sites and will take action if any communications are found to be criminal.

Reporting Contributed By CBS Affiliate WCBS

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by sp33dyzloca November 28, 2010 8:44 AM EST: ~GOD BLESS THIS GIRL, HER FAMILY, N FRIENDS. GOD WILL DEAL W/THESE HATE FILLED PEEPS IN TIME. AND TO STICK UP 4 FACEBOOK.....I HAVE CONNECTED W/FAMILY I NEVER KNEW I HAD CUZ OF FACEBOOK, SO YES, IT IS GOOD FOR SOMETHING IN MY OPINION. BUT WE ALL HAVE OUR OWN......OPINIONS!; Reply to this comment


by VBnews March 29, 2010 6:45 AM EDT: Some people are just really disgusting and cruel...it really sickens me...; Reply to this comment


by fleasmama March 28, 2010 9:49 AM EDT: The Networking sites should show the ISP of each poster to the owner of the page/account that was the trolls can be traced and reported.; Reply to this comment

by relly_50 March 26, 2010 7:01 PM EDT

It amazes me that those people can sleep at night after what they've said. I hope karma comes around and bites them hard in the ass.

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by x0xBrookersx0x March 30, 2010 4:31 PM EDT: Word.


by pak31 March 26, 2010 2:46 PM EDT: People can't mourn and talk the old fashioned way porcine. Sadly I don't think the younger kids even realize that. People who are cruel, have it easy with the internet because they get to anonymously say what they want to. I say that with a lot of it, you have to look at the whole picture. If you are even somewhat of a christian, then regardless of what happens legally, the reality of it is and I strongly believe this, that it is how you treat others while here that really matters. If this is how these "bullies" choose to live their lives by being cruel and selfish instead of compassionate and understanding, then that just shows the type of person they are and they'll have to deal with that. Their words may be hurtful but it just shows their true colors and that is sad. So let them say what they want(to a point) they are just making fools of themselves even though they think they are being cool. God forbid the day something happens to them or someone they love.; Reply to this comment