A British man who encouraged a vulnerable young American to take his own life during a video call has been sentenced to prison. Dylan Phelan, 21, was on a Discord call with 21-year-old Travis Dyer when Dyer fatally shot himself. Leeds Crown Court heard that Phelan urged Dyer to pull the trigger multiple times and laughed after the suicide.
Details of the Case
Phelan, from Morley, West Yorkshire, was part of an online group on Discord where members discussed mental health. In the lead-up to his death, Dyer had carved Phelan's name into his body and was encouraged to spend his money on alcohol and drugs. On October 20, 2024, Phelan was among three people on the video call when Dyer died. Phelan kept a recording of the suicide on his computer and shared it with a female acquaintance, who alerted his mother. He later admitted his involvement to police, who found extreme pornography and indecent images on his devices.
Victim's Background
Dyer had experienced multiple family tragedies, including the drowning deaths of his mother and sister. His great-grandmother, Vivian Mahoney, described him as a 'shy, smart and resilient young man' whose future was 'stolen.' The victim's family stated that Phelan was not acting alone and that the online space had become a 'hunting ground,' but acknowledged that an online friend in the UK who alerted authorities showed the internet could also be a 'place of light.'
Sentencing and Statements
Phelan was sentenced to six years and four months after admitting to encouraging suicide, making an indecent image, and possessing extreme pornography. Mr Justice Cotter said Dyer was the victim of a 'campaign of cruelty' and that Phelan was motivated by 'morbid curiosity.' He urged anyone with information about others in the group to contact US authorities, noting one individual had 'boasted of being a sociopath and being involved in a number of suicides.'
Defense lawyer Matthew Harding said Phelan was detached from reality and had a mental health impairment, expressing 'shame, regret, remorse.' Detective Inspector Dan Ridgeway emphasized the dangers posed by individuals in online communities and urged anyone feeling unsafe to report it. Alex Johnson of the CPS stated that those who use online spaces to encourage self-harm will be held accountable.
If you are struggling with mental health, Samaritans are available 24/7 at 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org.
