Terryon Thomas, a popular TikTok creator with 4 million followers on his main account, became infamous for his comedic and relatable videos, many of which he was accused of copying from other creators.
But the 20-year-old gained new notoriety this week after he was charged with second-degree murder and obstruction of justice on Thursday.
The online creator has been at the center of a social media frenzy over allegations that he was involved in the death of therapist William Nicholas Abraham. Many posts on TikTok and X, some of which garnered millions of views, speculated on the relationship between Thomas and Abraham.
Thomas, who is based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was arrested in Dallas on Tuesday. He is accused of killing Abraham, who was found dead on the side of a highway near Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, on Sunday. Law enforcement officials said Abraham, 69, died as a result of blunt-force trauma.
NBC News has reached out to the management team listed on Thomas’ profile for comment but did not receive a response.
Here’s what to know about the TikTok star.
Who is Mr Prada?
Thomas began gaining traction on TikTok in late 2022. He has made numerous accounts over the years, but his current main account, which uses the handle mr.prada456, has 4 million followers.
Thomas became notorious on the platform for copying other creators’ videos shot for shot. Some creators who had their content re-created by Thomas called him out, but his unapologetic attitude toward their complaints quickly spawned a meme.
Some TikTok users claimed to be “Mr Prada victims” and would make videos feigning distress when Thomas would like their videos, according to Know Your Meme.
Thomas made a video at the time saying he was “unbothered” by the criticism. The video has since been deleted.
Over the past year, Thomas’ followers have expressed concern over the TikToker’s well-being after he made a post hinting at loneliness, announced that his name “is not Prada anymore” and uploaded several videos showing he shaved his head and eyebrows.
What are the accusations against Thomas?
Thomas was charged with second-degree murder and obstruction of justice in connection with Abraham’s death.
The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office said it found blood, sharp objects and other weapons in Thomas’ home, according to an affidavit for an arrest warrant. The affidavit also said that Abraham was captured on surveillance footage entering Thomas’ apartment complex the day before his body was found.
Witnesses saw Thomas dragging a tarp down the stairs and loading it into Abraham’s car, according to the affidavit.
Authorities in Dallas arrested Thomas after a separate arrest warrant was issued by Baton Rouge police following a traffic stop in which he was suspected of driving Abraham’s car unauthorized and allegedly refused to comply with officers.
Thomas was arrested on suspicion of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, resisting an officer and aggravated criminal damage to property after he allegedly backed into a police car while fleeing.
When asked by NBC News, court and sheriff’s officials did not immediately know whether he had a lawyer.
Thomas is in custody in Dallas and awaits extradition to Louisiana. A court date has not been set.
What has been the reaction to Thomas’ arrest?
Online, Thomas’ followers have continued to speculate about the alleged crime and possible motives.
Several viral posts on TikTok and X, some of which garnered millions of views, falsely claimed that Thomas was involved in Abraham’s 2015 arrest, during which the therapist was accused of inappropriately touching an 11-year-old client.
Prosecutors declined to take the case to trial. Defense attorney Jarrett Ambeau, who represented Abraham, told NBC News that Thomas was not involved in the case.
The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office said “there is no evidence to suggest that Thomas was a client of Abraham.” A motive and relationship are still under investigation, according to the sheriff’s office.
