Dale Thomas’ granddaughter, Cimarron Thomas, 12, resided in West Virginia but was subjected to abuse by McCartney from a location in Northern Ireland.
WARNING: This article includes distressing content regarding extreme child abuse, suicide, and explicit language.
In 2018, at the age of 12, Cimarron Thomas tragically took her own life using her father’s handgun. Hailing from West Virginia, USA, Cimarron enjoyed playing the violin, adored elephants, chatting with friends on Snapchat, and was eagerly anticipating her upcoming 13th birthday. However, unbeknownst to her loved ones, she was being sexually exploited and blackmailed online by a student from Northern Ireland, identified as the UK’s most prolific catfisher.
Alexander McCartney, 26, from outside Newry, County Armagh, has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 20 years for the manslaughter of Cimarron and the severe sexual exploitation of other young girls. Tragically, Cimarron’s father, Ben, a US army veteran, took his own life 18 months later, unaware of his daughter’s abuse or the reasons behind her suicide.
Cimarron’s grandparents, Peggy and Dale Thomas, expressed their deep sorrow in a victim impact statement presented in court, stating, "Our lives will never be the same again. We have been robbed, and our lives have been changed forever."
Cimarron Thomas resided with her parents and siblings in an ordinary American family. However, their lives were forever altered in 2018 when a predator wreaked havoc upon them. McCartney initiated contact with Cimarron online using a fake identity, showering her with compliments before grooming her and coercing her into sending intimate photos.
Despite Cimarron’s pleas for McCartney to cease, he persisted in his abusive behavior, even involving her younger sister in his perverse demands. Devastated and overwhelmed, Cimarron ultimately chose to end her life. McCartney callously provided her with a countdown to her suicide, leaving her nine-year-old sister to discover her lifeless body after hearing a loud noise.
Cimarron was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. The heartbreaking incident left her family in shock and confusion, unaware of the torment she had endured. Years later, the truth of Cimarron’s ordeal came to light, shedding a harsh spotlight on McCartney’s heinous actions.
Cimarron’s grandparents, Peggy and Dale, participated in a BBC documentary about McCartney, sharing their memories of their granddaughter and highlighting their ongoing pain in hopes of preventing similar tragedies from befalling other families.
McCartney’s despicable crimes extended across continents, impacting numerous lives. One man from New Zealand, identified as Stephen, recounted the harrowing abuse suffered by his daughters at the hands of McCartney after he befriended their eldest daughter on Snapchat.
The stories of Cimarron Thomas, her family, and the countless victims of Alexander McCartney serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of online exploitation and abuse. Dale Thomas Then McCartney asked Rebecca for a nude photograph, which she sent.
"He then used that to manipulate and blackmail her into sending more photos, which ended up including our youngest daughter as well as part of the blackmail," Stephen said.
"And then, in time, through her contact list on Snapchat, he added Rebecca’s cousin as well, who was older at the time, and he then tried to threaten her with getting more photos.
"Thankfully, she was mature enough and smart enough to reach out to my wife, and then we went straight to the police from there."
How catfishing predator targeted sisters in New Zealand
‘He preyed on her innocence’
He said as soon as the first photo was sent, McCartney had power, adding that Rebecca was "playing by his rules".
"He preyed on her innocence," he added.
The father explained that his youngest daughter, who is two years younger, did not know what was happening.
"She just thought it was two sisters playing dress up and taking silly pictures, so she’s actually completely oblivious to it to this day."
Stephen said McCartney’s offending has had a "profound impact" on his eldest daughter.
At the beginning of the year, she moved away for university but moved home after six weeks.
"I believe she missed out on opportunities because of trust issues. It’s something she’s going to deal with forever," he said.
"We know she’s on this medication all the time, and the dark places that I’m sure her mind goes when she’s alone."
Stephen said he and his wife have been devastated by what happened to their children, but there was a silver lining in that they were able to play a "small part in bringing him [McCartney] to justice and preventing further victims".
The three-part series, Teen Predator/ Online Killer, which looks at this case in greater detail will be available on BBC iPlayer, BBC One NI, and BBC Three in the coming weeks.
Further information and support for those affected by this story can visit the BBC Action Line.