Terryon Thomas, a popular TikTok creator with 4 million followers on his main account, became infamous for his comedic and relatable videos, many of which he was accused of copying from other creators.
But the 20-year-old gained new notoriety this week after he was charged with second-degree murder and obstruction of justice on Thursday.
The online creator has been at the center of a social media frenzy over allegations that he was involved in the death of therapist William Nicholas Abraham. Many posts on TikTok and X, some of which garnered millions of views, speculated on the relationship between Thomas and Abraham.
Thomas, who is based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was arrested in Dallas on Tuesday. He is accused of killing Abraham, who was found dead on the side of a highway near Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, on Sunday. Law enforcement officials said Abraham, 69, died as a result of blunt-force trauma.
NBC News has reached out to the management team listed on Thomasâ profile for comment but did not receive a response.
Hereâs what to know about the TikTok star.
Who is Mr Prada?
Thomas began gaining traction on TikTok in late 2022. He has made numerous accounts over the years, but his current main account, which uses the handle mr.prada456, has 4 million followers.
Thomas became notorious on the platform for copying other creatorsâ videos shot for shot. Some creators who had their content re-created by Thomas called him out, but his unapologetic attitude toward their complaints quickly spawned a meme.
Some TikTok users claimed to be âMr Prada victimsâ and would make videos feigning distress when Thomas would like their videos, according to Know Your Meme.
Thomas made a video at the time saying he was âunbotheredâ by the criticism. The video has since been deleted.
Over the past year, Thomasâ followers have expressed concern over the TikTokerâs well-being after he made a post hinting at loneliness, announced that his name âis not Prada anymoreâ and uploaded several videos showing he shaved his head and eyebrows.
What are the accusations against Thomas?
Thomas was charged with second-degree murder and obstruction of justice in connection with Abrahamâs death.
The East Baton Rouge Sheriffâs Office said it found blood, sharp objects and other weapons in Thomasâ home, according to an affidavit for an arrest warrant. The affidavit also said that Abraham was captured on surveillance footage entering Thomasâ apartment complex the day before his body was found.
Witnesses saw Thomas dragging a tarp down the stairs and loading it into Abrahamâs car, according to the affidavit.
Authorities in Dallas arrested Thomas after a separate arrest warrant was issued by Baton Rouge police following a traffic stop in which he was suspected of driving Abrahamâs car unauthorized and allegedly refused to comply with officers.
Thomas was arrested on suspicion of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, resisting an officer and aggravated criminal damage to property after he allegedly backed into a police car while fleeing.
When asked by NBC News, court and sheriffâs officials did not immediately know whether he had a lawyer.
Thomas is in custody in Dallas and awaits extradition to Louisiana. A court date has not been set.
What has been the reaction to Thomasâ arrest?
Online, Thomasâ followers have continued to speculate about the alleged crime and possible motives.
Several viral posts on TikTok and X, some of which garnered millions of views, falsely claimed that Thomas was involved in Abrahamâs 2015 arrest, during which the therapist was accused of inappropriately touching an 11-year-old client.
Prosecutors declined to take the case to trial. Defense attorney Jarrett Ambeau, who represented Abraham, told NBC News that Thomas was not involved in the case.
The East Baton Rouge Sheriffâs Office said âthere is no evidence to suggest that Thomas was a client of Abraham.â A motive and relationship are still under investigation, according to the sheriffâs office.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
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