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Mother of Bianca Devins Reacts to Judge’s Decision DENYING Murderer’s Motion to Withdraw His Guilty Plea

October 27th, 2020

Utica, NY — Kim Devins, Mother of 17-year old Bianca Michelle Devins, has released the following statement after learning of Judge Michael L. Dwyer’s decision that Bianca’s murderer will not be allowed to withdraw his Guilty Plea.

“On July 14, 2019, our lives were changed forever when our angel Bianca was cruelly taken from us. We are relieved to hear that Judge Dwyer has denied her murderer’s motion to withdraw his Guilty Plea.

Our family has prepared victim impact statements to be read in court as her murderer is sentenced to 25-years to life. We want everyone to know what a beautiful and talented young girl she was that he took from us. We will represent Bianca in the future to ensure her murderer is never released from prison.

Bianca’s family and I will continue to honor her life through the Bianca Michelle Devins Memorial Scholarship with the Community Foundation of Herkimer/Oneida Counties. Bianca’s dream and spirit will live on through students who are looking for careers in psychology to help adolescents with mental health issues.

Our family will continue our fight for accountability of social media companies to prevent the posting of content such as Bianca’s death photos. We are in full support of Bianca’s Law being put before Congress by Congressman Anthony Brindisi. This will be another large step in holding social media companies responsible for the content they allow on their platforms.

We are so very grateful to the community of Central New York for their love and support. A special Thank you to all of Bianca’s friends, worldwide – ‘Bee’s Army’. You have helped us through this terrible journey through the love you have given us.” - Kim Devins, Bianca’s mother.

Donations to the Bianca Michelle Devins Memorial Scholarship can be made at:
https:// foundationhoc.org/our-funds/bianca-michelle-devins-scholarship-fund

Download the Press Release (PDF)

Brindisi To Join Family Of Bianca Devins To Announce Major Push To Combat Violent & Graphic Content Across Social Media Platforms Like Facebook & Instagram

August 7th, 2019

Download the Press Conference Release (PDF)

Media Guidelines for
coverage during family services

Posted July 18th, 2019 at 11:45 AM EDT

NOTE: The Utica Police Department will have sole authority over parking and media restrictions during family services.

NO CAMERAS ARE ALLOWED INSIDE THE CHURCH.

Wake

The wake will take place at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, 2222 Genesee Street, Utica, NY on Thursday, July 18, 2019 from 4:00-7:00 PM.

A parking and staging area for media has been made available near Sunset Ave with a designated filming area located near Genesee Street. (See map below). Media may film from the designated area with visibility to the entrance, to be cordoned and controlled by the Utica Police Department. Overflow will be made available by the Utica Police Department, to be determined at their discretion.

Funeral

The funeral will take place at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, 2222 Genesee Street, Utica, NY on Friday, July 19, 2019 at 1:00 PM.

A parking and staging area for media has been made available near Sunset Ave with a designated filming area located near Genesee Street. (See map below). Media may film from the designated area with visibility to the entrance, to be cordoned and controlled by the Utica Police Department. Overflow will be made available by the Utica Police Department, to be determined at their discretion.

Cemetery

No media will be allowed at the cemetery out of respect for the family.

Thank you for your respectful adherence to these guidelines during this very difficult time for the Devins/Williams family.

Memorial Services

Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery. View Obituary.

From Bianca’s Mother, Kimberly Devins

July 17th, 2019 at 10:00 AM EDT

“Our family is devastated by the loss of our beautiful angel, Bianca. Our lives are now forever changed; our hearts are broken. My heart is completely shattered, having lost my best friend. We will always remember her beautiful smile that lit up our lives. Her spirit will strengthen us and live on forever.

While I could not be there to protect her from this violent end, I will now be her voice and spread the message of ‘love, not violence’. Let us all pledge to share Bianca’s amazing spirit to make this world a better place.

We would like to thank everyone for their love and support. You have provided us much comfort in this unimaginably difficult time.”

Kimberly Devins

Statement from the Devins/Williams family: Official Scholarship Fund Established for Bianca

UPDATED July 16th, 2019 at 3:00 PM EDT

“We are grateful to the many who have expressed a wish to make monetary donations in Bianca’s name. Unfortunately, there are several false websites that have been created. These sites do not have the approval or permission of Bianca’s family.

Bianca Michelle Devins Scholarship Fund: Bianca’s family has set up a scholarship fund in her name which is in the care of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties. Donations can be made to the Bianca Michelle Devins Scholarship Fund, in care of The Community Foundation: www.foundationhoc.org/Bianca. We emphasize that this is the only Family-approved fund in Bianca’s name. These funds will be used for a scholarship for students pursuing a degree in psychology so they can continue Bianca’s dream to help adolescents with mental illness.

Other internet funding raising sites are not authorized by the Family, and funds donated to those false sites will not be used for Bianca in any way.”

A Statement from the Family of Bianca Devins

July 15th, 2019

“We are very grateful for the outpouring of love and sympathy we have received from our Friends, Family, Bianca’s Friends and the whole community. Your prayers help to strengthen us through this difficult time.

Bianca, age 17, was a talented artist, a loving sister, daughter, and cousin, and a wonderful young girl, taken from us all too soon. She is now looking down on us, as she joins her cat, Belle, in heaven. Bianca’s smile brightened our lives. She will always be remembered as our Princess.

Bianca graduated from T. R. Proctor High School this past June and was looking forward to attending MVCC in the fall.”