LONG BRANCH, NJ - Authorities confirmed that a teenage TikTok influencer was fatally shot on a crowded New Jersey beach just hours after posting what ended up being his final video from the same spot.
Chrystofer A. Whyte, known online as hi.imchrys, was struck at least once while at Pier Village in Long Branch just before 9:00 p.m. on June 12th, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office said, the New York Post reported. The 18-year-old high school athlete had 100,000 followers on TikTok and was pronounced dead at the scene.
A few weeks later, a juvenile was arrested and hit with a slew of charges, including murder and unlawful possession of a weapon, prosecutors said. His name has not been released due to his age.
An alleged accomplice, 18-year-old Dwayne Exilus, was charged with second-degree conspiracy to commit unlawful possession of a weapon and second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon. Investigators are still trying to figure out the motive for the fatal shooting. Friends claimed local kids had recently been caught "antagonizing" the victim during some of his TikTok live videos and "calling him names."
"I think this whole situation was about egos," the victim's friend, Jaiden Roche said. It was not immediately clear if the two alleged suspects were involved in the apparent bullying or if they even knew Whyte.
Hours before the tragedy unfolded, Whyte had shared two final videos, including one taken from the beach where he was later murdered. In that clip, the TikTok star could be seen lounging in a beach chair. "Stay away from ppl that ignore you until they need you," he captioned the video.
Whyte played football and wrestled for Woodbridge High School. Following the news of his death, Whyte's former football coach, Joseph LaSala paid his respects in a tribute, "Chrys was an unbelievable kid." He brought energy and enthusiasm every day. He was respectful, focused, and a joy to coach," he added. "This is heartbreaking," added LaSala, who worked with the teen for three seasons.
