(Facebook)
A 19-year-old girl in New York is accused of killing a 5-year-old boy after telling police he had been kidnapped. Tiffany Vanalstyne has been charged with second-degree-murder after the body of Kenneth White was found in the woods in Berne, New York. She had pleaded not guilty to the crime.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Vanalsyne Threw Her Cousin’s Body ‘Away Like Garbage’
(Handout)
Tiffany Vanalstyne had told police that Kenneth White, 5, her cousin, had been kidnapped by two men with ski masks clad all in black. Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple told the media that her story “fell apart” as cops searched for White. She is believed to have beaten and strangled her cousin before “throwing his body away like garbage,” according to Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple.
2. Vanalstyne’s Mother Had Custody of Kenneth White
Vanalstyne allegedly killed White and buried him across the street from her home. She then called her mom, Brenda, and told her the kidnapping story. Brenda Vanalstyne and her husband, Kenneth, were Kenneth White’s legal guardians. The couple also have custody of Kenneth’s twin sister and other 4-year-old sister. The boy’s dad lives in Massachusetts and his mother in Amsterdam, New York, reports the Albany Times Union. Neither parent was ever considered a suspect in the disappearance of White. Dr Joseph Natale of the school district released a statement following the death of White, Dr. Natale wrote:
Dear Parents,
It is with profound sadness that I write this letter to the Berne-Knox-Westerlo School community.
Earlier this morning, police confirmed that one of our students was found deceased near his home.
Our condolences and thoughts go out to the family and friends of our student.
A student death is a difficult and challenging situation that can generate a high level of anxiety and distress in some students. During this time, as the school community processes the tragic news and copes with grief, we will offer counseling and bereavement support services to all of our students and staff. A team of counselors, school psychologists and social workers at the elementary and secondary schools will provide support to any students or staff members in need throughout the upcoming days.
The district has also been in contact with local law enforcement to ensure that BKW is a safe environment for your children.
Your child may be affected by this tragedy even if he or she did not know the student. I encourage you to talk with your child about what has happened. Discussing thoughts and feelings about this situation is important in helping your child work through his or her grief.
You can click here for guidance from the Child Mind Institute on how to help children cope with frightening news. I hope that you find it useful.
At this time, very little is known about the circumstances of the student’s death. We encourage parents to emphasize to their children that there may be rumors or false information in a situation like this one, and if they want to talk about something they hear, they should talk to an adult.
This is a difficult time for all of us, but I know that our students, staff and community will draw together to work through this tragedy together.
Sincerely,
Dr. Joseph L. Natale
Interim Superintendent
Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School District
Kenneth was killed in Berne, New York, shown here about 30 miles west of Albany. (Google Maps)
3. She’s a Fan of the Insane Clown Posse
(Facebook)
According to her Facebook page, Vanalstyne was a student at Berne – Knox – Westerlo Junior – Senior High School in Berne, New York. She’s an avid fan of WWE, Insane Clown Posse and horror movies.
4. She Is Bipolar
Brenda Vanalstyne told the court in Knox, New York, that her daughter suffers from a bipolar condition. Tiffany has been taking medication. Speaking to CBS Albany, Brenda said:
She loved the children. She would do anything for them. She taught them school and everything. That’s why this is such a shock to me. I don’t understand.
5. She Could Face 20 Years in Prison
19 year old Tiffany Van Alstyne, charged w/ killing her 5 year old cousin #KennethWhite says Sheriff @CraigDApplesr http://t.co/Rw6IJiLSFJ
According to Find Law, second-degree manslaughter in the state of New York is when a person “recklessly” causes the death of another. If found guilty, she could face up to 20 years in prison.