A TikTok star known as "Mr. Prada" has been arrested in connection with the murder of William Nicholas "Nick" Abraham, a well-known therapist and former Catholic priest from Louisiana. This shocking incident has sent ripples through the Baton Rouge community.
Abraham, 69, was found dead over the weekend, with authorities believing his body was placed early Sunday morning in a ditch off Highway 51, wrapped unceremoniously in a tarp. A passerby made the grim discovery which set off an immediate investigation.
The Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office identified Terryon Ishmael Thomas, 20, also recognized as "Mr. Prada" on TikTok, as the person of interest. Thomas was arrested on Tuesday in Dallas County, Texas, on charges of second-degree murder and obstruction of justice linked to Abraham’s death.
Thomas is not just any individual; he boasts over 8 million followers on his TikTok accounts. His social media presence often teetered on the edge of controversy. Just prior to his arrest, he shared a rather ominous video on TikTok, captioned, "practicing for my mug shot cus this might be the year someone gonna meet God if they piss me off too much." Clearly, this was not the kind of content typically associated with online influencers.
The investigation took several turns, with detectives releasing surveillance images of Thomas, who had been seen driving Abraham’s vehicle shortly before the murder. The car was later abandoned after Thomas fled from police during a traffic stop. Baton Rouge officers managed to locate the vehicle, but Thomas was already on the run.
Authorities assert Thomas’s connection to Abraham was not immediate but became clearer as they pieced together evidence. The Tangipahoa Parish Coroner's Office ruled Abraham's cause of death as blunt force trauma, which only heightened the urgency of the investigation.
Thomas will be extradited to Louisiana following his hearings, based on the charges filed against him. The justice system will now determine the full extent of his involvement. His arrest has drawn significant media attention, bringing the spotlight back to the issues of violence and social media influence.
Community reactions are pouring in as well. “I am absolutely devastated and completely shocked,” said Abraham's attorney, Jarrett Ambeau. He expressed disbelief at the violent end to the life of someone who was genuinely caring and dedicated to helping others.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the fine line between public personas and personal lives and raises questions about the influence of online platforms on behavior. For those who knew or followed Abraham, the news has been particularly jarring, as he was known for his warmth and dedication as a therapist, contributing positively to many lives.
The investigation remains active, with officials urging anyone with more information about the events surrounding Abraham’s death to come forward. Law enforcement continues to tackle the case as more details emerge.
