A heartbreaking tragedy in Philadelphia has left a family mourning after an 18-year-old pregnant woman was shot and killed, with her boyfriend now facing serious criminal charges.
Authorities say Lemmarra Bradshaw, 18, died after she was allegedly shot by her boyfriend, 29-year-old Robert Tatum, on March 9. Bradshaw was pregnant with her second child at the time of her death.
According to reports from local outlets, Tatum told investigators that Bradshaw had come at him with a knife and a screwdriver before the shooting. Police have not publicly confirmed the details of that claim.
Tatum has since been charged with voluntary manslaughter, possessing an instrument of crime with intent, and recklessly endangering another person, according to court records.
Bradshaw leaves behind a 4-year-old daughter.
Her devastated family says the young mother’s relationship with Tatum had been troubled for some time. Relatives claim he had been abusive toward her during their relationship.
Bradshaw’s aunt told local media that the situation had escalated shortly before the fatal shooting.
“He punched her in the face about two weeks ago,” the aunt said. “In less than 24 hours, she went back to him. He manipulated her. He was always in a jealous rage.”
Reports indicate the couple had been arguing the night Bradshaw was killed. One account suggested the fight started over a hamster Bradshaw’s mother had bought for the little girl’s daughter.
However, Bradshaw’s aunt believes the argument was actually related to accusations that Tatum had been cheating.
Bradshaw’s mother, Michelle Adekola, said she has been left completely shattered by the loss.
“I feel like I didn’t protect her enough to let this man kill my daughter,” she said. “I wasn’t there to help her. It makes me feel broken inside.”
In a message shared through a GoFundMe page created for the family, loved ones described the tragedy as an unimaginable loss.
“Her death has left a deep and painful void in the hearts of everyone who loved her,” the statement read.
The family also expressed grief over the loss of Bradshaw’s unborn baby.
“The loss of both Lemmarra and her unborn child has devastated our family and our community,” the message said.
Tatum was taken into custody and appeared in court for a preliminary arraignment on March 11. A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for March 30 as the legal process moves forward.
TATUM YOU FILTHY PIECE OF HUMAN GARBAGE YOUR OFF TO THE PENITENTIARY FOR THE REST OF YOUR MISRABLE STINKING FUCKIN LIFE AM A GAMBLER AND I WOULD NOT GIVE YOU ANY ODDS THAT YOU WILL SURVIVE 5 YEARS IN THE PEN YOUR A MARKED MAN WITH A BIG FAT WIFE BEATER TARGET ON YOUR BACK A DURTY STINKING WOMAN BEATER YOUR A BET YOU GET WHAT IAN HUNTLEY GOT BUT YOUR THE KIND OF STINKING FILTHY WIFE BEATING RAT THAT WILL DUB HIS CELL DOOR THATS OK BECAUSE YOU WILL BE DUBBED UP FOR 23 HOUR A DAY I WILL SMUGGLE YOU IN A STRONG NYLON ROPE ENJOY YOU STAY IN THE PEN I WILL OPEN THE PAPER IN 2 YEARS AND A BEAT YOU HAVE BEEN ATTACKED BY THE HARDENED CONS IN THE PEN BETTER STILL A HOPE YOU GET THE DEATH PENALTY YOU STINKING LOUSY B@STARD THE ONLY WAY YOUR COMING BACK OUT THE PEN IS IN A BODY BAG 2s UP TO YOUR LIFE SENTENCE WITH NO PAROLE LIFE MEANS LIFE THE REST OF YOUR MISRABLE LIFE IN THE PEN.
16 with a 4 year old child ? What kind of family and upbringing did she have and same for the much older boyfriend . Society all over the world needs to get it’s shit together and live peacefully .