Monroe County man accused of coercing 13-year-old into suicide attempts, school shooting p

A Monroe County man is facing a series of felony charges after Pennsylvania State Police say he used online gaming and messaging platforms to sexually exploit a 13-year-old boy in Canada, force him to harm himself and ultimately give him a choice between committing suicide or carrying out a school shooting.

Destin Angel Petrides, of Kunkletown, is charged with attempted first-degree murder, aiding suicide, sexual exploitation-related offenses, attempted theft by extortion and other crimes.

The allegations are contained in an 11-page criminal complaint and affidavit filed by Pennsylvania State Police.

According to investigators, the case began after the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary in Canada contacted Homeland Security Investigations about a 13-year-old boy who was allegedly being coerced through Discord and other online platforms.