Terryon Thomas, a popular TikTok creator with 4 million followers on his main account, became famous 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 about 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 road near Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, on Sunday.
Law enforcement officials said Abraham, 69, died as a result of blunt force trauma.
NBC News reached out to the management team listed on Thomas’ profile for comment but did not receive a response.
Here’s what you need to know about the TikTok star.
WHO IS MR PRADA ON TIKTOK
Thomas began gaining popularity on TikTok in late 2022. He has created numerous accounts over the years, but his current main account, which uses the username mr.prada456, has 4 million followers.
Thomas became famous on the platform for copying other creators’ videos shot for shot. Some creators whose content was recreated by Thomas reported him, but his brazen attitude toward their complaints quickly spawned a meme.
Some TikTok users claimed to be “Mr Prada victims” and made videos in which they feigned distress when Thomas liked their videos, according to Know Your Meme.
Thomas made a video at the time in which he said he wasn’t “bothered” by the criticism. The video has since been deleted.
Over the past year, Thomas’ followers have expressed concern for the TikToker’s well-being after he made a post hinting at his loneliness, announcing that his name is “no longer Prada,” and uploading several videos showing he had shaved. the head and eyebrows.
WHAT ARE THE ACCUSATIONS AGAINST TERRYON THOMAS
Thomas was charged with second-degree murder and obstruction of justice in connection with Abraham’s death.
The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office said it found blood, sharp objects and other weapons in Thomas’ home, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.
The affidavit also said Abraham was captured on surveillance footage entering Thomas’ apartment complex the day before his body was found.
Witnesses saw Thomas dragging a tarp down the stairs and loading it into Abraham’s car, according to the affidavit.
Dallas authorities arrested Thomas after Baton Rouge police issued a separate arrest warrant following a traffic stop in which he was suspected of driving Abraham’s car without authorization and allegedly refusing to obey 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 crashed into a police car while fleeing.
When asked by NBC News, court and sheriff officials did not immediately know if he had an attorney.
Thomas is detained in Dallas and awaiting extradition to Louisiana. A hearing date has not been set.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE REACTION TO THE ARREST OF TERRYON THOMAS
Online, Thomas’s followers have continued to speculate about the alleged crime and possible motives.
Several viral posts on TikTok and
Prosecutors refused 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 Sheriff’s Office said there is “no evidence to suggest Thomas was a client of Abraham.” The motive and relationship are still under investigation, according to the sheriff’s office.
This article was originally published in English on NBC News. click here to read it.
