Topline: Authorities allege the fire was set intentionally after the man was told he could no longer stay at the family’s Pennsylvania home.
Published: September 18, 2025 9:00 am ET
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Lakyn Shelleby, left, and Brian Shelleby (via Family handout / Allegheny County Police Department)
CASTLE SHANNON, PA — A Castle Shannon father is facing homicide charges after allegedly setting a fire that killed his 19-year-old daughter and seriously injured her mother.
Authorities have charged 46-year-old Brian Shelleby with criminal homicide, aggravated arson, and causing or risking catastrophe after a gasoline-fueled blaze tore through his family’s home on Corbett Drive, killing his 19-year-old daughter and seriously injuring her mother.
The Allegheny County Police Department said first responders were called to the scene around 9:54 a.m. on September 14. When they arrived, they found the home engulfed in flames. Inside, 19-year-old Lakyn Shelleby was pronounced dead. Her mother, Carly Shelleby, was rescued and taken to a local hospital in stable condition, though she suffered extensive burns.
According to police, the fire was intentionally set. Brian Shelleby, who was known to the victims, was quickly taken into custody. In a criminal complaint obtained by KDKA, investigators say Carly told police that she had asked her estranged husband not to stay at the home. His response, she claimed, was a threat: he would burn it down.
Detectives allege that Shelleby followed through, later admitting to investigators that he poured gasoline across multiple floors of the house before igniting it. The resulting explosion shook the neighborhood.
“I heard an explosion and ran outside and saw all the windows were blown out, flames, gas tank was in the middle of the street,” neighbor Patrick Funwela told KDKA. He and others, including a painter working nearby, tried to break windows and doors to reach Lakyn, but the fire moved too quickly.
“She didn’t stand a chance,” said Manul Henriquez, who joined the rescue efforts. “The whole house was engulfed.”
County District Attorney Stephen Zappala, speaking to WPXI, said the case is not only horrific but emblematic of a troubling trend. “Domestic violence knows no bounds,” Zappala said. “The first question I had was—did he intend to kill his daughter?” While Shelleby’s reported hostility was aimed at his wife, the consequences extended far beyond.
Zappala noted the destructive potential of using an accelerant like gasoline. “Once you put an accelerant in play like gasoline, you never know what’s going to happen,” he said, adding that it appeared to have been poured near the kitchen. He also indicated that investigators are trying to determine Shelleby’s mental and physical state at the time of the fire, asking whether drugs, alcohol, or a mental health issue could have played a role.
As authorities await the medical examiner’s report to confirm whether Lakyn died from smoke inhalation or the fire itself, Zappala emphasized the personal toll on the family. “Obviously, [Carly] will be without her daughter and if our allegations are sustained, she’ll be without her husband forever.”
Lakyn Shelleby, a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh, is being remembered by her neighbors and friends as an outgoing, compassionate young woman with a promising future. “She was a great kid,” said one family friend. Neighbors described her as a talented saxophonist, an animal lover, and someone with a deep care for vulnerable people. “You don’t see that too much,” said neighbor Mark Ratay. “A lot of 19-year-olds are trying to further their education, but she seemed to have a real purpose.”
A small memorial has begun to grow outside the family’s former home, now a shell of its former self. Flowers, candles, and handwritten notes are piling up as Castle Shannon residents process the loss. “We just have to pray for Carly,” said a neighbor. “She lost everything in a matter of 30 seconds—daughter, house, [Brian].”
Brian Shelleby remains held in the Allegheny County Jail as he awaits preliminary arraignment. He is scheduled to appear in court on September 26. The Allegheny County Police Department’s Homicide Unit continues to investigate, and anyone with information is asked to contact their tip line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Man Charged for Killing 19-Year-Old Daughter in Fire Set During Argument with Estranged Wife
Authorities allege the fire was set intentionally after the man was told he could no longer stay at the family’s Pennsylvania home.
By Jacob Charles
Published: September 18, 2025 9:00 am ET
Lakyn Shelleby, left, and Brian Shelleby (via Family handout / Allegheny County Police Department)
CASTLE SHANNON, PA — A Castle Shannon father is facing homicide charges after allegedly setting a fire that killed his 19-year-old daughter and seriously injured her mother.
Authorities have charged 46-year-old Brian Shelleby with criminal homicide, aggravated arson, and causing or risking catastrophe after a gasoline-fueled blaze tore through his family’s home on Corbett Drive, killing his 19-year-old daughter and seriously injuring her mother.
The Allegheny County Police Department said first responders were called to the scene around 9:54 a.m. on September 14. When they arrived, they found the home engulfed in flames. Inside, 19-year-old Lakyn Shelleby was pronounced dead. Her mother, Carly Shelleby, was rescued and taken to a local hospital in stable condition, though she suffered extensive burns.
According to police, the fire was intentionally set. Brian Shelleby, who was known to the victims, was quickly taken into custody. In a criminal complaint obtained by KDKA, investigators say Carly told police that she had asked her estranged husband not to stay at the home. His response, she claimed, was a threat: he would burn it down.
Detectives allege that Shelleby followed through, later admitting to investigators that he poured gasoline across multiple floors of the house before igniting it. The resulting explosion shook the neighborhood.
“I heard an explosion and ran outside and saw all the windows were blown out, flames, gas tank was in the middle of the street,” neighbor Patrick Funwela told KDKA. He and others, including a painter working nearby, tried to break windows and doors to reach Lakyn, but the fire moved too quickly.
“She didn’t stand a chance,” said Manul Henriquez, who joined the rescue efforts. “The whole house was engulfed.”
County District Attorney Stephen Zappala, speaking to WPXI, said the case is not only horrific but emblematic of a troubling trend. “Domestic violence knows no bounds,” Zappala said. “The first question I had was—did he intend to kill his daughter?” While Shelleby’s reported hostility was aimed at his wife, the consequences extended far beyond.
Zappala noted the destructive potential of using an accelerant like gasoline. “Once you put an accelerant in play like gasoline, you never know what’s going to happen,” he said, adding that it appeared to have been poured near the kitchen. He also indicated that investigators are trying to determine Shelleby’s mental and physical state at the time of the fire, asking whether drugs, alcohol, or a mental health issue could have played a role.
As authorities await the medical examiner’s report to confirm whether Lakyn died from smoke inhalation or the fire itself, Zappala emphasized the personal toll on the family. “Obviously, [Carly] will be without her daughter and if our allegations are sustained, she’ll be without her husband forever.”
Lakyn Shelleby, a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh, is being remembered by her neighbors and friends as an outgoing, compassionate young woman with a promising future. “She was a great kid,” said one family friend. Neighbors described her as a talented saxophonist, an animal lover, and someone with a deep care for vulnerable people. “You don’t see that too much,” said neighbor Mark Ratay. “A lot of 19-year-olds are trying to further their education, but she seemed to have a real purpose.”
A small memorial has begun to grow outside the family’s former home, now a shell of its former self. Flowers, candles, and handwritten notes are piling up as Castle Shannon residents process the loss. “We just have to pray for Carly,” said a neighbor. “She lost everything in a matter of 30 seconds—daughter, house, [Brian].”
Brian Shelleby remains held in the Allegheny County Jail as he awaits preliminary arraignment. He is scheduled to appear in court on September 26. The Allegheny County Police Department’s Homicide Unit continues to investigate, and anyone with information is asked to contact their tip line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Man Charged for Killing 19-Year-Old Daughter in Fire Set During Argument with Estranged Wife
Authorities allege the fire was set intentionally after the man was told he could no longer stay at the family’s Pennsylvania home.
By Jacob Charles
Published: September 18, 2025 9:00 am ET
Lakyn Shelleby, left, and Brian Shelleby (via Family handout / Allegheny County Police Department)
CASTLE SHANNON, PA — A Castle Shannon father is facing homicide charges after allegedly setting a fire that killed his 19-year-old daughter and seriously injured her mother.
Authorities have charged 46-year-old Brian Shelleby with criminal homicide, aggravated arson, and causing or risking catastrophe after a gasoline-fueled blaze tore through his family’s home on Corbett Drive, killing his 19-year-old daughter and seriously injuring her mother.
The Allegheny County Police Department said first responders were called to the scene around 9:54 a.m. on September 14. When they arrived, they found the home engulfed in flames. Inside, 19-year-old Lakyn Shelleby was pronounced dead. Her mother, Carly Shelleby, was rescued and taken to a local hospital in stable condition, though she suffered extensive burns.
According to police, the fire was intentionally set. Brian Shelleby, who was known to the victims, was quickly taken into custody. In a criminal complaint obtained by KDKA, investigators say Carly told police that she had asked her estranged husband not to stay at the home. His response, she claimed, was a threat: he would burn it down.
Detectives allege that Shelleby followed through, later admitting to investigators that he poured gasoline across multiple floors of the house before igniting it. The resulting explosion shook the neighborhood.
“I heard an explosion and ran outside and saw all the windows were blown out, flames, gas tank was in the middle of the street,” neighbor Patrick Funwela told KDKA. He and others, including a painter working nearby, tried to break windows and doors to reach Lakyn, but the fire moved too quickly.
“She didn’t stand a chance,” said Manul Henriquez, who joined the rescue efforts. “The whole house was engulfed.”
County District Attorney Stephen Zappala, speaking to WPXI, said the case is not only horrific but emblematic of a troubling trend. “Domestic violence knows no bounds,” Zappala said. “The first question I had was—did he intend to kill his daughter?” While Shelleby’s reported hostility was aimed at his wife, the consequences extended far beyond.
Zappala noted the destructive potential of using an accelerant like gasoline. “Once you put an accelerant in play like gasoline, you never know what’s going to happen,” he said, adding that it appeared to have been poured near the kitchen. He also indicated that investigators are trying to determine Shelleby’s mental and physical state at the time of the fire, asking whether drugs, alcohol, or a mental health issue could have played a role.
As authorities await the medical examiner’s report to confirm whether Lakyn died from smoke inhalation or the fire itself, Zappala emphasized the personal toll on the family. “Obviously, [Carly] will be without her daughter and if our allegations are sustained, she’ll be without her husband forever.”
Lakyn Shelleby, a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh, is being remembered by her neighbors and friends as an outgoing, compassionate young woman with a promising future. “She was a great kid,” said one family friend. Neighbors described her as a talented saxophonist, an animal lover, and someone with a deep care for vulnerable people. “You don’t see that too much,” said neighbor Mark Ratay. “A lot of 19-year-olds are trying to further their education, but she seemed to have a real purpose.”
A small memorial has begun to grow outside the family’s former home, now a shell of its former self. Flowers, candles, and handwritten notes are piling up as Castle Shannon residents process the loss. “We just have to pray for Carly,” said a neighbor. “She lost everything in a matter of 30 seconds—daughter, house, [Brian].”
Brian Shelleby remains held in the Allegheny County Jail as he awaits preliminary arraignment. He is scheduled to appear in court on September 26. The Allegheny County Police Department’s Homicide Unit continues to investigate, and anyone with information is asked to contact their tip line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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