Pregnant Teen Killed After Argument Over a Hamster; Boyfriend Charged

On March 9, 2026, officers responded to reports of a shooting on the 7000 block of Langdon Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Upon arrival, they found a young woman suffering from gunshot wounds.

The victim was identified as 18-year-old Lemmarra Bradshaw.

Authorities said Bradshaw was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Allegedly, Bradshaw was shot by her boyfriend during an apparent argument over a pet hamster.

Sources familiar with the investigation said the boyfriend claimed Bradshaw approached him with a knife and a screwdriver, and that he fired the gun during the confrontation.

Police later took 29-year-old Robert Tatum into custody in connection with the shooting.

Family members told reporters that Bradshaw had been in a relationship with Tatum for several years and said the relationship had become increasingly volatile in the weeks leading up to her death.

Relatives also alleged that Tatum had recently assaulted Bradshaw and described him as frequently becoming jealous and controlling.

Bradshaw was pregnant with her second child at the time of her death and leaves behind a 4-year-old child.

Authorities later charged Tatum with voluntary manslaughter and related offenses in connection with the shooting.

The investigation remains ongoing.