In a devastating recount of her loss, Tylicia Bell expressed her anguish, saying, “My heart is aching because I simply seek to understand why this has happened. Why was my daughter murdered? Why did it have to end this way?”
Grieving deeply, Tylicia is haunted by the questions surrounding the tragic death of her only daughter, Tanyiah Bell, who had just celebrated her 19th birthday two days prior to the horrific incident.
“At just 19 years old, she was eight months pregnant and eagerly awaiting the birth of her child, yet now her baby is bravely battling for survival in the NICU,” Tylicia sorrowfully shared.
The Lansdowne Police discovered Tanyiah with a fatal gunshot wound to the head inside her apartment on Wycombe Avenue on November 14th. Tragically, Tanyiah succumbed to her injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Following her passing, medical professionals delivered a baby girl, who now remains on life support, fighting for her chance at life.
Kaiheem Williams, Tanyiah’s 19-year-old boyfriend, has been arrested and charged with her murder in a case that has left the community in shock.
According to the criminal complaint, Williams claimed he was smoking and “blacked out,” with his only memory being the moment he called 911 from Tanyiah’s phone after discovering she had been shot. Law enforcement officials reported that they did not find a weapon at the scene, and Williams denied taking any firearm from the apartment.
Leon Miller, Tanyiah’s grandfather, described her as “an innocent young lady trying to navigate her way in the world,” expressing a desire for others to heed the warning signs in troubled relationships: “If something isn’t right, walk away, get away.”
Family and friends gathered at Academy Park High School in Sharon Hill on Saturday afternoon to pay tribute to Tanyiah, a dedicated student and spirited cheerleader.
Reflecting on Tanyiah’s vibrant spirit, her friend Sameeya Andrews stated, “I just wish we could share some final words with her, cheer alongside her one more time, and simply be in her presence, as she was truly a remarkable person with an incredible spirit.”
Her loved ones maintain that Tanyiah’s spirit lives on through her daughter, who bears a striking resemblance to her mother.
Tylicia named her granddaughter Tanyiah Miracle, stating, “I believe she will be our miracle. She aspired to be a NICU nurse, and I am convinced that my daughter is at her bedside, fervently praying for her baby’s survival. I know she is watching over her.”
While Tylicia hopes to bring her granddaughter home one day, she is also determined to seek justice for her beloved daughter’s untimely death.
“She did not deserve to die in such a brutal manner,” Tylicia implored. “She did not deserve to have her life taken away so violently.”
As the family prepares for Tanyiah’s funeral, they reflect with heartbreak that November 30th would have marked her baby shower.
In this time of hardship, donations are being collected to support the grieving family.
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What were Tanyiah Bell’s dreams for her future as she prepared for motherhood?
**Interview with Tylicia Bell: Mother of Murdered Pregnant Teen**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Tylicia. I can only imagine the depth of your grief after the tragic loss of your daughter, Tanyiah. Can you share a bit about Tanyiah’s dreams and aspirations as she prepared to become a mother?
**Tylicia Bell:** Thank you for having me. Tanyiah was so full of life and hope. She had just turned 19, and she was excited about becoming a mother. She wanted to give her baby everything—she was so ready to be a great mom. It breaks my heart that she won’t have the chance to do that now.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned in your statement that you are seeking answers to the questions surrounding her death. What specifically do you want to know, and why is it so important for you and your family?
**Tylicia Bell:** I want to understand why this happened to my daughter. Why was she taken from us in such a horrific way? I keep asking myself why—why did her life have to end like this, and why was she murdered? These questions haunt me daily, and I need to find a way to make sense of this tragedy, both for myself and for her baby girl who is now fighting for her life.
**Interviewer:** It must be incredibly difficult for you to deal with Tanyiah’s loss while also worrying about her newborn’s condition. What can you tell us about the baby and her current situation?
**Tylicia Bell:** The baby is currently in the NICU, bravely battling for survival. Every day feels like an eternity waiting to hear any good news. My heart aches not just for Tanyiah but for the baby, who deserves a chance at life. It feels so unfair that they took her mother from her before she even had the chance to meet her.
**Interviewer:** The community is in shock over this incident, and Tanyiah’s boyfriend, Kaiheem Williams, has been arrested. What is your reaction to his claims regarding the incident?
**Tylicia Bell:** I’m overwhelmed by it all. To hear that he “blacked out” from smoking and doesn’t remember what happened—it’s just hard to process. Tanyiah didn’t deserve this. No one should have to go through what we are experiencing. I just hope justice is served for her and the life that was taken too soon.
**Interviewer:** Tanyiah’s grandfather, Leon Miller, mentioned that people should heed the warning signs in troubled relationships. What message would you like to share with young women who might find themselves in similar situations?
**Tylicia Bell:** My message is simple: if something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Walk away, get away. No one should have to fear for their life or the life of their child. Relationships should bring joy and support, not fear and pain.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Tylicia, for sharing your heart during this incredibly difficult time. We send our deepest condolences and strength to you and your family as you navigate through this tragic loss.
**Tylicia Bell:** Thank you for allowing me to share Tanyiah’s story. We need to bring awareness to domestic violence and its consequences. She deserves that.
