Alaska Father Dies in Memorial Motorcycle Ride for Daughter Killed in Murder-for-Hire Plot
Timothy Hoffman, father of Cynthia Hoffman, tragically died during a memorial motorcycle ride commemorating the fifth anniversary of his daughter's death. The ride took a fatal turn when Hoffman lost control of his motorcycle near Wasilla and was subsequently pronounced dead. His wife, Barbara "Jeanie" Hoffman, was riding on the back of the motorcycle and sustained serious injuries during the accident cbs">^1^3.
Cynthia Hoffman was brutally murdered in 2019 in a shocking murder-for-hire plot orchestrated by Denali Brehmer. Brehmer had been under the false impression that she was communicating with a millionaire named Darin Schilmiller, who had promised her $9 million to kill someone and send him photos and videos of the crime cbs">^1^3. Lured by this promise, Brehmer recruited four friends to help her carry out the heinous act.
Court documents revealed the horrifying details of Cynthia Hoffman's murder. She was taken to Thunderbird Falls, bound with duct tape, shot, and then thrown into the Eklutna River cbs">^1^3. Brehmer and Schilmiller were both sentenced to 99 years in prison for their roles in the murder cbs">^1^3. Another individual involved, Caleb Leyland, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in November ^2.
Timothy Hoffman was not just a grieving father but also a fixture at the court hearings related to his daughter's case. He was often seen clad in a black leather motorcycle jacket, carrying his support dog Diego. Patrick McKay, a lead prosecutor in the case, described Timothy Hoffman as a "zealous advocate" for his daughter cbs">^1^3. Hoffman's commitment to seeking justice for Cynthia was unwavering, making his sudden passing even more heartbreaking.
Cynthia, along with Hoffman's other children, experienced developmental disabilities nbc">^2. This tragic case highlights the vulnerability of individuals with disabilities and the extreme actions that some may take under false pretenses. The devastating loss of Cynthia was compounded by the untimely death of Timothy Hoffman, casting a long shadow over a family that has already endured unimaginable grief.
The memorial ride was intended to honor Cynthia's memory and keep her legacy alive. Instead, it turned into another tragic chapter for the Hoffman family. Friends, family, and community members are mourning the double loss while trying to find solace in the memories of Timothy and Cynthia.
Hoffman’s life was a testament to a father's love and dedication. His public appearances during the court proceedings, unwavering advocacy, and the poignant memorial motorcycle ride underscored his commitment to his daughter's memory and justice. Despite his tragic end, Timothy Hoffman's persistent fight for justice has left an indelible mark on everyone who followed this heartbreaking story.