Key facts
- Dylan Phelan, 21, was sentenced to six years and four months in prison.
- Phelan encouraged Travis Dyer, 21, to commit suicide during a video call on Discord.
- Dyer died by suicide during the call.
- Phelan also admitted to possessing indecent images of a child and extreme pornography.
- A 10-year sexual harm prevention order was issued against Phelan.
Dylan Phelan, 21, has been sentenced to six years and four months in prison for encouraging the suicide of Travis Dyer, 21, from Louisiana, USA. The two had been communicating for several months via the online platform Discord.
During a video call on October 30, 2024, which also included two other individuals in the United States, Phelan urged Dyer to take his own life. Dyer died by suicide while the call was ongoing. Investigations revealed that Dyer, who was known to be vulnerable and struggling with his mental health, had been subjected to sustained encouragement to self-harm by members of the online group in the months leading up to his death.
Phelan reported his involvement to police on March 27, 2025, and made full admissions. He accepted that his words were a factor in Dyer's suicide. Examination of his mobile phone also revealed the possession of an indecent image of a child and other extreme pornography images.
On March 11, 2026, Phelan pleaded guilty to encouraging suicide, and had previously pleaded guilty to the indecent and extreme images offenses. He was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on June 12, 2026, and also received a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.