All the Things

Send Tips

The mother of a teenager who committed suicide after becoming the target of an online hoax said today that the woman charged with perpetrating the hoax deserves life in prison.

"She deserves the life sentence that our family has been given," Tina Meier said today on "Good Morning America."

She was referring to neighbor Lori Drew who was indicted Thursday for her alleged role in creating a fake MySpace page in the name of Josh Evans. She reportedly used the page to contact Meier's 13-year-old daughter Megan.

Megan Meier committed suicide in October 2006 and her parents have said their daughter's death was the result of the rapid decline of her online relationship with Josh, whom she believed to be a 16-year-old boy who first flattered the self-conscious girl and then taunted her.

Drew faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.

"I am hopeful she will face the maxiumum 20 years in prison," Tina Meier said. "Twenty years is unfortunately not enough for her," Meier added. "She played a ridiculous game with my daughter's life."

From Salon's blogs

About 5 Things

5 Things ranks the five hottest breaking news stories, gossip, viral videos and more at any given moment in time. Frequently updated, 5 Things filters the best of the Web.

RSS Feed

Send Tips

Have a story for 5 Things? Send your tips to: 5things@salon.com.