A 21-year-old British national has been sentenced to prison after admitting he encouraged the suicide of a vulnerable 21-year-old man in the United States during a live online video call, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors identified the defendant as Dylan Phelan, who acknowledged encouraging Travis Dyer to take his own life in October 2024 following months of contact through the online chat platform Discord, according to Britain’s Crown Prosecution Service.
Dyer, who was from Louisiana, died while on a live video call with Phelan and two other individuals based in the United States. During that call, the victim was urged to harm himself, including being told to take his own life with a shotgun, prosecutors said.
Prosecutor Alex Johnson described the matter as "a deeply disturbing case involving the sustained exploitation of a vulnerable young man." He added: "Dylan Phelan did not simply witness these events - he deliberately and persistently encouraged Travis Dyer to take his own life, intending that he would do so. His actions were calculated, cruel, and had devastating consequences."
Authorities said the encouragement was not isolated but formed part of ongoing conduct by members of an online group who targeted Dyer despite being aware of his struggles with mental health. Phelan later told police he had been drawn into darker online communities and accepted responsibility for his role in the death.
In addition to admitting the encouragement of suicide, Phelan pleaded guilty to offences relating to indecent images of a child and to possessing extreme pornography. At Leeds Crown Court, he was sentenced to six years and four months in prison.
Alex Johnson emphasized that those who encourage self-harm online will be held accountable, noting that internet anonymity does not provide protection from prosecution.
The case arrives amid renewed government focus in Britain on reducing online harms, particularly those affecting children and young people. Officials are increasing pressure on technology companies to do more to prevent the spread of harmful content and abusive behaviour on their platforms.
Discord did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Case specifics
- The defendant: Dylan Phelan, age 21.
- The victim: Travis Dyer, age 21, from Louisiana.
- Location of sentencing: Leeds Crown Court; prison term: six years and four months.
- Platform involved: Discord; the incident occurred during a live video call after months of contact.