PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — The family of a 14-year-old West Michigan boy who died by suicide after he was blackmailed over explicit pictures hopes sharing his story will save lives.
“The message from Henry’s parents is this could happen to anyone,” the family’s attorney said. “You got to tell (kids), and you got to tell them again. You’ve got to sit down with your own kids. You’ve got to tell them again.”
Henry’s death by suicide in August led to the arrest of a Plainfield Township boy, also 14, who deputies say targeted a total of 17 children, three in Michigan, in a sextortion scheme .
Deputies: Teen boy facing charges in sextortion case
Described as “kind-hearted” and “charismatic,” Henry played soccer and basketball, ran track and last summer worked his first jobs as a caddy and dishwasher…