Springfield, MO — A 19-year-old Missouri State University student is facing felony charges after allegedly going on a vandalism spree — and then confessing his actions to ChatGPT. Police say the suspect damaged multiple vehicles in a university parking lot and later asked the AI tool how to avoid getting caught.
According to The Smoking Gun, Ryan Schaefer, a college sophomore, allegedly shattered car windows, broke windshield wipers, dented hoods, and ripped off side mirrors during the early morning hours of September 28.
Vandalism Spree at Missouri State
Authorities say Schaefer’s rampage unfolded in a campus parking lot, where several vehicles were left with extensive damage. Campus security footage captured a man committing the vandalism, prompting police to identify and question Schaefer at his Springfield apartment the following day.
When confronted by officers, Schaefer reportedly admitted that the person on surveillance video “bore a resemblance” to him and voluntarily turned over his phone to investigators.
“The surveillance footage showed an individual matching Schaefer’s build and clothing damaging multiple vehicles,” police noted in the report.
ChatGPT Messages Reveal Confession
The case took an unusual turn when investigators examined Schaefer’s phone. They discovered a series of messages exchanged with ChatGPT, in which he appeared to discuss his crimes in real time.
“What if I smashed the … outta multiple cars?” Schaefer allegedly typed to the AI tool, followed by another question: “Is there any way they could know it was me?”
Officers say Schaefer even made threatening and erratic statements toward the chatbot during the conversation. The incriminating messages were used as part of the case evidence linking him to the vandalism spree, according to The Smoking Gun.
Charges and Investigation
Police confirmed that Schaefer has been charged with felony property damage in connection with the incident. Investigators say his cooperation and the digital evidence — including his chat logs — provided a clear trail of admission.
Authorities did not specify the total cost of the damage but noted that multiple vehicles sustained significant repairs. University officials have yet to release an official statement, but students described the incident as both “bizarre” and “ironic.”
“Of all the places to confess, doing it to an AI app is next-level dumb,” one Missouri State student remarked.
Digital Footprints and Legal Consequences
Law enforcement experts say the case is a reminder that digital conversations — even with AI — are not private and can be recovered during investigations.
Cybercrime specialists warn that any online or device-based confession can be traced and used as evidence in court.
“People sometimes assume AI chats are anonymous,” one investigator said. “They’re not. Digital footprints are permanent.”
Schaefer is currently awaiting his next court appearance as prosecutors review the evidence gathered from his phone and campus surveillance.
What are your thoughts on this bizarre case of digital self-incrimination? Share your views in the comments below.
