A Pennsylvania man is facing homicide and arson charges after allegedly dousing his estranged family’s home with gasoline and setting it ablaze, killing his 19-year-old daughter and injuring his wife.
Police say Brian Jeffrey Shelleby, 46, ignited the fire Sunday morning inside the Castle Shannon residence after his wife refused to let him stay while they were separated.
According to an arrest affidavit, Shelleby warned his wife he would “burn the house down” before grabbing a five-gallon gas can and pouring fuel throughout the home. His wife managed to escape, but their daughter, Lakyn Shelleby, was trapped inside. Firefighters later found her unresponsive.
Neighbors described the blaze as explosively fast. “It took about 13 seconds for the whole house to go up in flames,” said Patrick Funwela, who tried to rescue Lakyn through a broken window but was overwhelmed by heavy smoke.
Investigators said Shelleby stayed at the scene and later admitted to starting the fire after his wife told him he couldn’t live there. He is being held on charges including criminal homicide, arson, and risking catastrophe.
Lakyn, a second-year University of Pittsburgh student and 2024 Keystone Oaks High School graduate, was remembered by friends at a vigil Monday night. “She was so smart, and she could kick down the doors with her charisma,” said longtime friend Alexandria Kelley.
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