Watch CBS News

Cops: Teen accused of filming suicide texted it would be "like getting away with murder"

PAYSON, Utah – The teen accused of filming a friend's suicide allegedly texted another friend beforehand saying he was going to "help" end her life, and that it would be "like getting away with murder."

Tyerell Przybycien, 18, is charged with murder and desecration of a body. He made his first court appearance on Thursday where a judge raised his bail from $20,000 to $500,000.

Utah teen accused of filming friend's suicide 01:30

A probable cause statement said Przybycien bought items the 16-year-old girl used to hang herself, and then watched and videotaped as she died.

The station reports that before the girl's death Przybycien texted a friend asking what he would do if a person said they wanted to commit suicide.

The friend, according to a Utah County investigator, responded, "Talk them out of it."

Instead, Przybycien is accused of replying, "I want to help kill them. It be awesome," adding it was going to happen.

Prosecutor Chad Grunander said child porn, linked to the suspect, has also been found, but said the images were not of the girl who died.

Loved ones gathered in a park in Spanish Fork, Utah on Thursday evening to remember the 16-year-old. A friend said the girl's family is not interested in making statements.

"They're in a tough place right now," said the prosecutor, who met with the family. "They're in a time of mourning … they're supportive of our approach to the case."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.