Transgender TikTok star Maurice Harrison, known online as Girlalala, died on Friday at the age of 21 following a fatal shooting, the Broward Sheriff’s Office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has confirmed. No official cause of death beyond gunshot wounds has been released by the Broward County Medical Examiner as of Wednesday morning. The Context The fatal shooting of Harrison has sparked widespread attention, not only because of her significant social media following, but also due to the ongoing conversation about violence against transgender individuals in the United States. Currently, the online personality has over 294, 000 followers on TikTok and an additional 43, 900 followers on Instagram. What To Know Harrison-a hairstylist from Pompano Beach, Florida-was shot around 7 p. m. on November 14 in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, following an altercation in a car with her longtime boyfriend, Shanoyd Whyte Jr. According to a statement released by the Broward Sheriff’s Office, deputies responding to the scene discovered Harrison suffering from gunshot wounds in the front passenger seat of a vehicle. She was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Whyte Jr., 25, was arrested at the scene on a first-degree murder charge. Authorities recovered a firearm and stated that Whyte Jr. and Harrison had been in a relationship for several years. Surveillance video reportedly shows the moments leading up to the shooting, depicting Whyte Jr. stepping out of his vehicle, appearing to hold a gun, and placing Harrison, who was leaning out of the car, back inside, NBC Miami reported. A GoFundMe for Harrison has raised over $28,700, surpassing the $25,000 goal. Once we finalize arrangements we will also share how you can contribute to the funeral home directly also. Thank you.” Rapper JT wrote on Instagram: “Rest beautiful girlala [sic]! We love you and Heaven will never be boring now that you are there, your boldness, energy, humor and beauty will be missed! You never missed a chance to show me love and for that I’m forever grateful. I’m sorry this happened to you! “We have to stop thinking things are funny because of the way the story is told! If you see content about DV [domestic violence] don’t laugh because it’s a trans or Black woman. We have a way of laughing through our pain because we have been shaped to be taken as jokes! #protecttranswomen #proteckblackwomen protect feminism as a whole!” The official statement from the Broward Sheriff’s Office states: “Detectives determined Whyte Jr. and Harrison were involved in a verbal argument which turned physical while inside Whyte Jr.’s vehicle. At some point, the victim was shot while sitting in the car.” What Happens Next Whyte Jr. remains in custody at Broward Sheriff’s Office Main Jail. Per NBC Miami, he appeared before a judge and is being held without bond.
https://www.newsweek.com/entertainment/girlalala-death-tiktok-star-11072307
Girlalala’s Death: What We Know About TikTok Star
