Results tagged “myspacesuicide”

Lori Drew's sentencing for charges related to the precedent-setting MySpace Suicide Case has been scheduled for April 30th in Los Angeles According to Associated Press. Lori Drew, who was not present at the hearing, was convicted November 26 of three counts of accessing computers without authorization. It is believed that the suicide of 13 year-old Megan Meier was a result of Drew setting up a fake profile on MySpace of a boy who romanced and then dumped Meier in 2006.

Lori Drew was cleared of felony charges today in Los Angeles. However, she has been convicted of three misdemeanor counts in the "MySpace suicide" case. Drew had plead not guilty to all counts. She now faces up to three years in prison and a $300,000 fine.

Lori Drew appeared in Los Angeles federal court Monday to respond to charges stemming from the "MySpace suicide" hoax. Drew is accused of setting up a fake MySpace profile that is believed to have contributed to the suicide of 13-year-old Megan Meier. According to the New York Times, the Missouri mother pleaded not guilty to charges of internet fraud and conspiracy to inflict emotional distress. Drew and her attorney declined comment. According to the Associated Press, Drew is currently free on a $20,000 bond.

On Tuesday, 19 year-old Ashley Grills, who was involved in the Myspace hoax that allegedly led to the October 2006 suicide of Megan Meier, confessed to her participation on Good Morning America.

The law has always struggled to keep up with the fast-paced, ever-changing world of the internet. A federal investigation of fraud involving MySpace could set important legal precedents. The case brings up issues of first ammendment rights versus prosecution of harassment and other cybercrimes, as well as the question of jurisdiction in cyberspace.