Philadelphia Man Charged with Manslaughter Following Fatal Shooting of Pregnant Teenager

Robert Tatum faces manslaughter charges after the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Lemmarra Bradshaw. The victim was pregnant and leaves behind a young daughter.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 15, 2026, 6:03 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PEOPLE

A Life Cut Short in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia community is mourning the death of Lemmarra Bradshaw, an 18-year-old mother who was pregnant with her second child at the time of her death. Authorities allege that Bradshaw was shot and killed by her boyfriend, 29-year-old Robert Tatum, during a domestic dispute. The loss has had a profound impact on her family, who described her in a public statement as a young woman whose absence has left a "deep and painful void" in their hearts. Bradshaw’s unborn baby did not survive the incident.

Allegations of Abuse and Manipulation

Following the shooting, Bradshaw’s family spoke out regarding the history of the couple's relationship, alleging a pattern of domestic violence. Her aunt told local news outlets that Tatum was frequently in a "jealous rage" and had physically assaulted the teenager just two weeks prior to the fatal encounter. Family members believe that manipulation and control played a significant role in the events leading up to the tragedy, expressing regret that they were unable to intervene effectively before the situation escalated.

The Fatal Dispute and Claims of Self-Defense

On the night of the shooting, reports indicate the couple may have been arguing over a hamster intended for Bradshaw’s daughter, though other family members suggest the dispute was related to allegations of infidelity. In statements provided to investigators, Tatum claimed that Bradshaw approached him with a knife and a screwdriver, suggesting his actions were a response to a physical threat. However, the District Attorney’s office has moved forward with charges that reflect a criminal act rather than a justified use of force.