Pennsylvania College Student Dies In Fire, Police Suspect Family

A student at the University of Pittsburgh tragically lost her life in a fire this past Sunday morning while at a family home. The student’s mother was also left hospitalized by the blaze. Meanwhile, police suspect another member of the family was behind the fire.

The Victim, A College Student, Was 19 Years Old At The Time Of Her Death

This past Sunday morning, first responders arrived at a scene at Castle Shannon with reports of a fire. While there, they found a deceased young woman and an adult woman who was taken to the hospital.

The victim who lost her life was Lakyn Shelleby, a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh. She was 19 at the time of her death.

Authorities at the time believed that a man close to the victims was behind the blaze. According to CBS Pittsburgh, the suspect was Lakyn’s father, Brian Shelleby. Lakyn’s mother, Carly, reportedly told police she had told Brian not to stay at the home due to being separated, as shared by a criminal complaint.

Carly claimed to have heard liquid being poured in the garage. She also alleged that her daughter told her she saw her father pouring gasoline. According to the complaint, the father later admitted to causing the explosion.

A Few Witnesses Also Painted A Picture Of What Happened, Including An Interesting Claim About The Suspect

A neighbor, Patrick Funwela, also told CBS Pittsburgh, “I heard an explosion and ran outside and saw all the windows were blown out … the thickest black smoke I have ever seen. We broke the window, climbed up the ladder, screaming for Lakyn — no words, nothing.”

A painter, Manul Henriquez, also shared that he rushed over, thinking of his own children. He shared, “We went around the house, trying to help break windows, open doors, but the whole house was engulfed by the time we got there.” According to Funwela, Brian actually asked for help, despite starting the fire.

Carly was described as being in “stable condition.” A firefighter was also reportedly taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation.

Brian was transported to the Allegheny County Jail pending arraignment. He faces charges including criminal homicide and aggravated arson.

A memorial honoring Lakyn was said to be growing outside the home, with neighbors leaving flowers in her honor. A vigil was also held for Lakyn outside of St. Ann’s Church.

As shared by WPXI, William P. Stropkaj, Ed.D., Keystone Oaks School District Superintendent, also shared the following statement about Lakyn: “The Keystone Oaks School District is deeply saddened by the passing of Lakyn Shelleby, a 2024 graduate of Keystone Oaks High School.”

“A high honors graduate who was an active member in both the National Honor Society and the Marching Band, she was a beloved member of our Keystone Oaks High School community. Our thoughts and condolences are with her family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.”

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