A 21-year-old transgender TikTok influencer known as Girlalala was shot and killed in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, on the night of November 14. Her boyfriend, 23-year-old Shanoyd Whyte Jr., has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder after investigators said the shooting was not accidental.
According to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of a shooting at an apartment complex shortly before midnight. When officers arrived, they found Girlalala unresponsive in the passenger seat of a vehicle with gunshot wounds. She was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Investigators say the shooting followed an argument between Girlalala and Whyte Jr. inside the parked vehicle. Detectives reported that Whyte Jr. claimed the gun discharged during a struggle. After reviewing evidence from the scene along with witness statements, officials determined that the explanation did not match the physical evidence. He was taken into custody and booked without bond.
Emergency calls made immediately after the shooting captured the panic of the scene as the victim lay critically injured. Authorities say these calls, along with video surveillance and forensic analysis, helped establish probable cause for the arrest. Officials have not announced any additional suspects and say the investigation remains active.
Girlalala was a rising content creator known for her beauty tutorials, wig styling videos, and energetic personality. She built a large and enthusiastic following on social media, where her posts regularly drew thousands of views and comments. Supporters describe her as vibrant, creative, and full of life, noting that her content brought joy to many.
Friends, fans, and LGBTQ advocates have expressed deep grief and frustration over her death, highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by transgender women across the United States. Advocacy groups stress that transgender women, particularly women of color, experience disproportionately high rates of violence and fatality. Many of the tributes posted online call for increased awareness, protection, and community support.
A fundraiser has been created to help cover funeral expenses and support her loved ones. Donations have grown steadily as news of her death spreads across social media platforms. Supporters have emphasized that Girlalala’s life should be remembered for her creativity and authenticity rather than the violence that ended it.
Prosecutors are expected to present the case to a grand jury, which will review the charges and determine whether any additional legal actions will be taken. Court dates for Whyte Jr. have not yet been scheduled.
Girlalala’s killing adds to the mounting list of transgender women lost to violence this year. Advocates are urging the public to honor her memory by standing against hatred, supporting safety efforts in local communities, and amplifying the voices of transgender individuals who are fighting for visibility, respect, and protection.
