A 17-year-old girl is facing a homicide charge after police say her boyfriend was fatally stabbed inside a Harrisburg residence, with investigators later uncovering social media videos that appeared to show warnings involving a knife.
HARRISBURG, PA – Emergency crews were called late Monday night to a home on the 1400 block of Market Street, where an 18-year-old man was found suffering from a severe chest wound. The call came from inside the residence, where the teen suspect reportedly told dispatchers a man was “losing blood” and asked for an ambulance. When officers arrived just before 11 p.m., they found the victim seated while the suspect held a blood-soaked towel against his chest. He was transported to a hospital, where he died.
Dalaysia Terrell-Brown, 17, has been charged with murder, along with misdemeanor counts of possession of an instrument of crime with intent and use or possession of drug paraphernalia. The victim has been identified as Tamar Shaw, 18.
Investigation and suspect’s account
According to court records, Terrell-Brown told investigators the two were in bed when Shaw asked for a kitchen knife to cut paper used for marijuana. She said the knife may have been wrapped in blankets. While attempting to move the blankets, she claimed Shaw suddenly cried out in pain. When he lifted his shirt, blood began pouring from a wound to his chest.
Investigators noted that Terrell-Brown acknowledged the couple had argued earlier in the day but said there was no active conflict at the time of the incident.
An autopsy later ruled Shaw’s death a homicide, determining the stab wound penetrated the chest cavity and required significant force.
Social media videos surface
The investigation took a turn after a Crime Stoppers tip led police to videos allegedly posted by Terrell-Brown on Instagram prior to the incident. In the clips, she is seen holding a knife and making thrusting motions toward another person.
One video included a caption reading in part “cut that wrist up,” accompanied by laughing emojis. Another post reportedly stated “let this be a warning.”
Authorities have not publicly detailed how the videos factor into the timeline of events but included them as part of the case.
Terrell-Brown was taken into custody and is being held without bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 20.
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