Community devastated after pregnant 18-year-old allegedly shot by boyfriend

An 18-year-old pregnant woman was fatally shot in Philadelphia earlier this month, and her boyfriend is now facing criminal charges in connection with her death, according to authorities.

Police say Lemmarra Bradshaw was allegedly shot by her boyfriend, Robert Tatum, 29, on March 9. Bradshaw, who was pregnant with her second child, leaves behind a 4-year-old daughter.

According to reports from WPVI-TV (6ABC) and Law & Crime, Tatum told investigators that Bradshaw had approached him with a knife and a screwdriver before the shooting. 

Court records show he has since been charged with voluntary manslaughter, possessing an instrument of crime with intent and recklessly endangering another person.

Family members say Bradshaw’s death has left loved ones devastated.

In a statement shared on a GoFundMe page created in her memory, relatives described her passing as an “unimaginable loss,” adding that her death “has left a deep and painful void in the hearts of everyone who loved her.”

The family also claimed Bradshaw had experienced abuse during her relationship with Tatum. 

Her aunt told WPVI-TV (6ABC) that the couple had a history of conflict, alleging that Tatum had previously assaulted Bradshaw weeks before the fatal shooting.

According to family members, the couple had been arguing on the night of the incident. 

While reports suggest the dispute may have involved a pet hamster purchased for Bradshaw’s young daughter, relatives believe the disagreement may have been connected to accusations of infidelity.

Bradshaw’s mother, Michelle Adekola, shared her grief in an interview with the local station.

“I feel like I didn’t protect her enough to let this man kill my daughter,” Adekola said. “I wasn’t there to help her. It makes me feel broken inside.”

Authorities confirmed that Tatum was taken into custody and appeared in court for a preliminary arraignment on March 11. 

He is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on March 30.

As the legal process continues, Bradshaw’s family says their focus remains on remembering her life and supporting one another through the tragedy.

“The loss of both Lemmarra and her unborn baby has devastated our family and our community,” relatives wrote in their statement. 

“Right now, we are trying to honor her memory and get through this heartbreaking time together.”