Anatomy of Murder: The Tragic Case of Bianca Devins
Hosted by Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger | Released on March 25, 2025

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Posted (Bianca Devins)" of Anatomy of Murder, hosts Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger delve deep into the tragic murder of Bianca Devins, a 17-year-old from Utica, New York. This episode meticulously dissects the layers of the case, exploring Bianca's life, the circumstances of her death, and the ensuing investigation that shook her community and highlighted significant issues surrounding online safety and social media responsibility.

Bianca Devins: A Life Online and Beyond

Bianca Devins was a vibrant teenager who found solace and expression through the Internet. As Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi explains, Bianca "showed natural talent as an artist and loved to express herself through the visual arts" (04:14). However, her adolescence was marred by severe depression and a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), which left her feeling isolated despite her online connections (04:27).

Bianca's online presence was significant. She was active on platforms like Snapchat and Instagram, and participated in more niche communities such as Discord, where she connected with others who shared her interests in anime and gaming (05:45). Her charisma and talent earned her a dedicated following, but this visibility also attracted unwanted attention from persistent followers, aptly termed "Orbiters" (07:37).

The Relationship with Brandon Clark

One of Bianca's online friendships was with Brandon Clark, a 21-year-old who initially followed her on Instagram. Their interactions moved from public comments to private chats on Discord, fostering a relationship that Bianca hoped would transition into real life (08:08). Despite a four-year age difference, Brandon seemed to integrate seamlessly into Bianca's family life, often discussing shared interests like Minecraft with her younger siblings (09:22).

However, beneath the surface, Brandon harbored deeper intentions. Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi notes that Bianca's popularity attracted not just fans but individuals who became "obsessive" over her, leading to dangerous fixations (07:37). Brandon's escalating obsession would culminate in a catastrophic event.

The Fateful Night: July 13, 2019

On July 13, 2019, Bianca, along with Brandon and a friend named Alex, attended a concert in Queens, New York (09:41). Everything seemed routine as Bianca communicated her safe arrival and plans via text messages to her family (09:58). However, the night took a horrifying turn.

Past midnight, a graphic photograph surfaced online, depicting a young woman covered in blood with a chilling message: "Sorry, you're gonna have to find somebody else to orbit." Initially dismissed by some as a hoax, the image was soon recognized as Bianca Devins, prompting immediate concern and the involvement of law enforcement (10:35).

Discovery and Aftermath

Local police in Utica conducted a welfare check after receiving alerts and locating a potential crime scene. Upon arriving, officers found Brandon Clark with a knife to his own neck and the lifeless body of Bianca beneath a tarp (12:32). The harrowing confirmation of Bianca's death came from her family firsthand, compounded by the distressing spread of graphic images online (20:28).

Bianca's mother, Kim Devins, shared the unimaginable pain of learning about her daughter's murder through a viral Instagram photo, which stripped Bianca of her dignity and left the family re-traumatized (20:48). The dissemination of these images ignited a broader conversation about the ethical responsibilities of social media platforms in preventing such exploitation.

Brandon Clark: The Suspect’s Motives and Downfall

Brandon Clark's actions revealed a premeditated plot rather than a spontaneous act of violence. Investigations uncovered that Clark had extensively planned the murder, including researching fatal wounds and strategizing the live streaming of the crime (31:09). His obsession with Bianca extended beyond romantic interest, encompassing jealousy of her online popularity and supportive family environment (32:15).

Clark's motive was further elucidated by evidence indicating his desire for notoriety. He left notes detailing his intentions to broadcast the murder and his suicide, suggesting a deeper psychological turmoil rather than a mere act of jealousy (31:37). In March 2021, Brandon Clark was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for his heinous crime (33:49).

The Role of Social Media and Legislative Response

The tragic case of Bianca Devins underscored the dark side of social media, where platforms inadvertently facilitate the spread of graphic and harmful content. Hosts Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger discussed the challenges of regulating such content, highlighting international measures like those in Europe and Australia that impose fines on social media companies failing to curb graphic imagery (23:42).

In response to Bianca's murder, New York State enacted "Bianca and Caroline's Law," criminalizing the posting and dissemination of graphic images intended to harass (34:05). Kim Devins continues to advocate for stricter regulations, pushing for federal legislation to hold social media companies accountable for the content they host (35:16).

Legacy and Remembrance

Bianca Devins' legacy is honored through various initiatives aimed at preventing such tragedies and preserving her memory. The family established a scholarship for psychology students, and the Bee Gala celebrates her artistic contributions while raising funds for the scholarship (38:07). Additionally, the online movement #pinkcloudsforbianca encourages the sharing of positive artwork in her memory, countering the pervasive spread of her tragic images (36:39).

Bianca is remembered not just for her tragic end but for her vibrant personality, artistic talent, and the loving relationships she fostered. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the need for compassionate online communities and stringent safeguards to protect individuals from digital exploitation.

Notable Quotes

• Amanda Knox (00:15): "I'm Amanda Knox. I know firsthand the devastating impact of being falsely accused."

• Bianca Devins' Mother (04:48): "She was struggling with some mental health issues, some severe depression. She was eventually diagnosed with borderline personality disorder."

• Anna-Sigga Nicolasi (25:12): "Anything causing additional harm to this family or that in any way would publicize these sort of images in my book, absolutely wrong."

• Scott Weinberger (34:05): "For Bianca's loved ones, the fight isn't just about policy. It's about making sure she is remembered for more than what happened to her, for who she was."

Conclusion

The episode concludes by emphasizing the enduring impact of Bianca Devins' life and the relentless efforts of her family to seek justice and prevent future tragedies. Through advocacy, legislative change, and movements honoring her memory, Bianca's story continues to inspire a push for a safer and more respectful online environment.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the "Posted (Bianca Devins)" episode of Anatomy of Murder, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and those seeking to understand the complexities of this heartbreaking case.