Online Gaming Leads to Kidnapping: Nebraska Man Charged After Meeting Florida Sisters on Roblox

A Nebraska man has been charged with kidnapping two young sisters from Florida after allegedly meeting them on the popular online gaming platform Roblox and continuing communication via Snapchat. The incident highlights growing concerns about online grooming and child safety on social gaming sites.

Key Takeaways

• A 19-year-old Nebraska man is accused of traveling to Florida to abduct two sisters, aged 12 and 14.

• The suspect initially connected with the girls on Roblox, later moving conversations to Snapchat.

• Authorities classified the case as an abduction due to the girls' ages, despite them leaving willingly.

• The incident underscores the risks of online grooming and the importance of parental vigilance.

The Grooming Process Unfolds

Authorities report that the suspect, identified as Hser Mu Lah Say, 19, began interacting with the sisters on Roblox as early as the summer of 2025. Over time, the communication transitioned to Snapchat, a platform where messages can disappear, making them harder for parents to monitor. Investigators noted that the suspect built trust with the girls, a process that is rarely sudden but rather a slow manipulation involving repeated contact, shared interests, and emotional connection.

Signs of grooming, such as unexpected gifts and food deliveries to the girls' home, were noticed by family members. The suspect allegedly encouraged secrecy, telling the girls not to inform their parents, which is a common tactic to isolate children.

A Cross-Country Abduction

On the day of the disappearance, the sisters' phones had been confiscated as punishment. However, they allegedly used a family tablet to continue communicating with Say. The suspect then drove from Omaha, Nebraska, to Indiantown, Florida, to meet the girls. Authorities were alerted by the family, who suspected the online contact was involved. A multi-state search was initiated, and the girls were eventually located by the Georgia State Highway Patrol, approximately six hours away from their home.

Platform Responses and Parental Guidance

Both Roblox and Snapchat have stated they are cooperating with law enforcement and have safety measures in place. Roblox emphasized its robust safety policies, including filters for personal information, restrictions on image/video sharing, and age checks to limit chat interactions to age-appropriate peers. Snapchat highlighted its commitment to combating child exploitation and working with authorities.

However, the case serves as a stark reminder for parents about the potential dangers lurking on online platforms. Experts advise parents to:

• Lock down chat features: Disable direct messaging and voice chat with strangers on gaming and social media apps.

• Utilize parental controls: Activate and regularly review parental controls and activity reports.

• Establish a no-secrets rule: Encourage children to report any requests for secrecy from online contacts.

• Keep devices in common areas: Limit private screen time, especially late at night.

• Talk openly about grooming: Educate children about the tactics used in online grooming.

• Watch for platform switching: Be alert when conversations move from one app to another.

• Trust instincts and act early: Intervene promptly if something feels suspicious.

The suspect faces charges including kidnapping and interference with child custody. The incident has prompted renewed calls for enhanced online safety measures and greater parental involvement in monitoring children's digital lives.

Sources

• Nebraska man charged with kidnapping sisters, 12 and 14, via Roblox, Fox News.

• Roblox, Snapchat leads to abduction of 2 girls in Florida: Sheriff, NewsNation.

• Nebraska man charged with kidnapping Florida sisters after talking to them on Roblox – NBC 6 South Florida, NBC 6 South Florida.

• Siblings rescued after alleged kidnapping by 19-year-old they met on Roblox, ABC News.