Federal prosecutors have charged 18-year-old Matthew Edward Pysher with traveling from Pennsylvania to California to sexually exploit a 13-year-old girl as part of a suicide pact, according to court documents filed in Los Angeles. The Department of Justice alleges Pysher groomed the minor through Discord, encouraging self-harm and exchanging explicit content before flying to meet her.

Law enforcement discovered the pair at a Castaic motel on February 20, finding condoms, knives, razor blades, and a faraday bag blocking electronic signals. The victim told investigators Pysher had engaged in sexual conduct with her and used a knife to cut her repeatedly. Authorities say Pysher is associated with the nihilistic violent extremist group 764, which targets vulnerable minors through social media platforms.

Pysher faces up to 30 years in federal prison if convicted. The case highlights growing concerns about online predators exploiting minors through encrypted messaging platforms. Federal officials described the investigation as "chilling," presenting messages where Pysher expressed fascination with blood and self-harm. The Department of Justice emphasized the need for parental monitoring of children's internet activity as cases involving extremist groups targeting youth continue to rise.