Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Teen Rescued from Online Groomer After Disturbing Discovery

2/24/2026

23 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Federal and local law enforcement rescued a 13-year-old girl in Castaic, California, from Matthew Edward Pysher, an 18-year-old man from Pennsylvania.
Pysher allegedly groomed her online for three months, encouraging her to send explicit images and self-harm.
The arrest followed the mother alerting the FBI to concerns and a suicide note, and investigators found evidence of sexual conduct and self-harm in a motel room.

1 of 1

Story summary

Federal and local law enforcement rescued a 13-year-old girl in Castaic, California, from Matthew Edward Pysher, an 18-year-old man from Pennsylvania.
Pysher allegedly groomed her online for three months, encouraging her to send explicit images and self-harm.
The arrest followed the mother alerting the FBI to concerns and a suicide note, and investigators found evidence of sexual conduct and self-harm in a motel room.