Castle Shannon, PA – A Pennsylvania man, Brian Jeffrey Shelleby, has been charged with criminal homicide, arson, and causing or risking catastrophe after allegedly setting fire to his family home, killing his 19-year-old daughter and injuring his wife. The incident occurred early Sunday morning in the 800 block of Corbett Drive, located in Castle Shannon, a suburb of Pittsburgh.
The Deadly Fire and Rescue Efforts
First responders received a flurry of 911 calls shortly before 10 a.m. on Sunday reporting a fire at the residence. Upon arrival, they found flames pouring from the home. According to an affidavit, two people were trapped inside: Shelleby’s wife and their daughter, Lakyn Shelleby.
- The wife was able to escape the home, but firefighters were unable to rescue Lakyn in time.
- Lakyn Shelleby was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead inside the home.
The fire was described as extremely fast-moving, with neighbors recalling how quickly the flames engulfed the property.
The Motive Behind the Attack
Detectives spoke with Shelleby’s wife, who explained that the couple had been separated. She had told her husband that he could not stay in the house, but Shelleby became enraged.
- He allegedly threatened to “burn the house down” in response to being told to leave.
- Shelleby then grabbed a five-gallon can of gasoline and poured it throughout both floors of the home, setting it on fire.
The wife screamed for their daughter to run, but as she fled the house, the home exploded into flames.
Shelleby’s Arrest and Confession
Shelleby remained on the scene and was taken into police custody. After being read his Miranda rights, he allegedly admitted to starting the fire.
- Shelleby claimed that he had been trying to “convince” his wife to let him stay, but she refused.
- He reportedly told officers that, in his anger, he grabbed the gas can and poured it on the house.
Neighbors and Community Response
The fire’s rapid spread shocked nearby residents, who rushed to try and help.
- Neighbor Patrick Funwela recalled: “It took about 13 seconds for the whole house to go up in flames. I ran outside and saw the windows were all blown out.”
- Neighbors attempted to rescue Lakyn, breaking windows and climbing ladders to reach her, but the smoke was overwhelming, making it impossible to save her.
Victim Remembered by Friends
Lakyn Shelleby, a second-year student at the University of Pittsburgh, had recently graduated from Keystone Oaks High School. She was remembered fondly by her friends, who gathered for a vigil in her honor on Monday evening.
- Alexandria Kelley, a childhood friend, said: “She was so smart, and she could kick down doors with her charisma.”
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Brian Shelleby remains in police custody, awaiting trial for capital homicide, arson, and additional charges. Authorities continue to investigate the case, while the community mourns the loss of Lakyn Shelleby.
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