Florida: 21-year-old TikTok star shot dead by boyfriend
What's the story
Maurice Harrison, a popular TikTok star known as the "wig influencer," was shot and killed by her longtime boyfriend in Florida last week. The incident occurred after an argument between the couple inside his car, reported NBC Miami. Harrison, 21, was found with multiple gunshot wounds in Lauderdale Lakes and later died at a local hospital. Her boyfriend of seven years, Shanoyd Whyte Jr., 25, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder with a firearm.
Details
Argument escalated to physical confrontation
According to the Broward Sheriff's Office, an argument between Harrison and Whyte Jr. turned physical inside his vehicle before the shooting. "At some point, the victim was shot while sitting in the car," police said. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Harrison's final moments as she leaned out of the passenger door and Whyte Jr. pushed her back inside before allegedly shooting her.
Legacy
Harrison's social media fame and tributes
Harrison, a hairstylist from Pompano Beach, Florida, had over 235K followers on TikTok before her account was deactivated. She was known for her vibrant hairstyles and called herself a "wig influencer" on social media. Her Instagram account (@_girlalalala) is still active with over 42K followers. In the wake of her death, rapper JT paid tribute to Harrison on Instagram and donated $5K to her family's GoFundMe campaign for funeral expenses.
Relationship history
Harrison and Whyte Jr.'s tumultuous relationship revealed
In the wake of her death, fans circulated past videos suggesting Harrison and Whyte Jr. had a tumultuous, toxic relationship. One clip showed her with a cut on her nose and under her eye, claiming that they were always fighting. If found guilty of first-degree murder with a firearm, Whyte Jr. could face the death penalty or life in prison without parole under Florida law.