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Florida man arrested after allegedly threatening Tyler Trent’s mother on Facebook
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A Florida man has been arrested after allegedly threatening to kill Tyler Trent’s mother, according to a report.
The Indianapolis Star reported on Monday that John Matthew Pinkham, 39, has been charged with making written threats to kill or injure, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said.
Trent, the Purdue superfan and team captain who endured a long battle with cancer, died on New Year’s Day.
Pinkham allegedly posted threats on Trent’s Facebook page, claiming that he would attend the funeral and harm Trent’s mother. He was accused of using the alias Julie Homan to make multiple threats. Some of the messages included:
- “Can’t wait till I can choke the life out of you” … “funerals coming and I will appear like the reaper.”
- “Just wait until yall hear what I do at his funeral..I promise I will make headlines..I will kill his mother..just watch I will be talked about forever..this is no idol threat.”
Pinkham was arrested at his home, questioned and charged on Monday. He is facing a felony charge.
Trent’s story inspired millions as he courageously battled multiple bouts of cancer. In his final months, Trent used his voice to promote awareness for cancer research, including joining forces with ESPN’s V Foundation for cancer research.
Trent’s story was also featured on ESPN’s College GameDay.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB