CASTLE SHANNON, Pa. — A tight-knit community is grieving after a 19-year-old University of Pittsburgh student was killed in a house fire that authorities say was intentionally set.
The victim, Lakyn Shelleby, was a sophomore at Pitt who often came home on weekends, according to neighbors.
Many gathered on Corbett Street to leave flowers and light candles in her memory.
Neighbors say they tried desperately to rescue Lakyn from the burning home.
“We broke the window and climbed up the ladder, screaming for Lakyn,” said Patrick Funwela, who witnessed the fire. “We couldn’t find her, no words, nothing.”
Brian Shelleby, 46, Lakyn’s father, is now facing multiple charges, including criminal homicide, aggravated arson and causing or risking a catastrophe.
According to court documents, the fire began shortly after the surviving victim told Brian he could no longer stay at the home.
That person told investigators they saw him pour gasoline in the garage, up the stairs and throughout the first floor.
The surviving victim also said they screamed for Lakyn to get out of the home.
Moments later, the home exploded into flames.
“I heard an explosion,” a neighbor told Channel 11. “I ran outside and saw the windows were all blown out. Flames everywhere. A gas tank was sitting in the middle of the street.”
Firefighters found Lakyn unresponsive inside the home.
A neighbor shared a photo showing heavy flames and a red gas canister in the street.
Investigators say Brian Shelleby later admitted to setting the fire, telling police he “wanted to burn the house down” after being told to leave.
Neighbors say they are heartbroken over the loss of a young woman many had known for years.
Their thoughts are also with the other victim, who is recovering in the hospital.
Crews spent the evening boarding up the house.
Residents say a private candlelight vigil is being planned for Monday.
Investigators say police found Brian Shelleby at the scene and detained him. He allegedly admitted to causing the explosion and fire, saying he was trying to get the adult woman to let him stay, but she told him to leave.
Court records also show a firefighter suffered smoke inhalation from the fire and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Neighbors were still outside the house Sunday evening, shocked by what happened.
A neighbor recalled the intense moments when they tried to locate Lakyn Shelleby.
“All I know is the windows were burned out. I tried getting into the front door, but I was afraid for the back flash, or whatever, so we broke the window, climbed up the ladder,” said neighbor Patrick Funwela.
“We couldn’t find her. No words or nothing,” Funwela said. “The smoke was so black, it was unbelievable. It was the thickest black smoke I’ve ever seen.”
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