19-year-old killed, her mother injured after father sets fire to Castle Shannon home, police say
A 19-year-old is dead after her father set fire to her Castle Shannon home, killing her and injuring her mother, according to police.
According to the criminal complaint for 46-year-old Brian Shelleby, Carly Shelleby told police that she had told Brian he couldn't stay at their Corbett Drive home because they were separated. Brian Shelleby responded to Carly, saying that he'd burn down their home, she told police.
Brian Shelleby, who faces several charges including criminal homicide and aggravated arson, admitted to police that he caused the explosion and fire, saying he poured gas across multiple floors of the home, according to his criminal complaint.
Neighbors say it took just seconds for the home to become completely engulfed in flames. It didn't allow enough time for 19-year-old Lakyn Shelleby to get out. An EMT pronounced her dead at the scene. A close family friend said she was a great kid, describing her as a strong-willed Pitt sophomore with a promising future.
"I heard an explosion and ran outside and saw all the windows were blown out, flames, gas tank was in the middle of the street," said Patrick Funwela.
He, other neighbors, as well as a painter working across the street, all jumped into action to try and get Lakyn out.
"We went around the house, trying to help break windows, open doors, but the whole house was engulfed by the time we got there," said painter Manul Henriquez, who explained he was thinking about his own kids.
But, they couldn't find Lakyn amidst the black smoke. Brian Shelleby had actually asked for help, despite him starting the fire, Funwela said.
The fire chief said a firefighter was also taken to a hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.
A small memorial is now growing next to the home. Carly Shelleby is in stable condition at a hospital, police said.
"We just have to pray for Carly, she lost everything in a matter of 30 seconds, daughter, house, [Brian], so my thoughts and prayers are with her."
Shelleby was transported to the Allegheny County Jail pending preliminary arraignment.
As the county police's homicide unit investigates, anyone with information is asked to call the county police tipline at 1-833-ALL-TIPS.
19-year-old victim remembered as outgoing, motivated Pitt sophomore
Several of Lakyn's neighbors say they remember Lakyn as a very outgoing and motivated young woman in her sophomore year at the University of Pittsburgh.
She was also apparently a great musician who mastered the saxophone and had a deep love for animals and society's most vulnerable people.
"You don't see that too much. A lot of 19-year-olds are trying to further their education," said neighbor Mark Ratay, who arrived on Monday to add flowers to a growing memorial outside the home.
"Once you become a mother or a father, and you hold that baby for the first time, your child, you know how truly blessed you are," Ratay said.
Ratay didn't know Lakyn, but the tragedy happened in his grandparents' former home. A place of great joy for him that's turned into a symbol of a senseless act and a place where a young life was taken too soon.
Lakyn's friends also took to social media to praise her love for her friends and life.
"Just a real nice young lady. She'll be missed," Ratay said.