What should have been a peaceful summer evening at the beach turned into tragedy as a young TikTok star was shot and killed.
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Chrystofer Whyte, an 18-year-old influencer with over 100,000 followers, was murdered at Pier Village in Long Branch, just hours after posting his final video from the exact location.
At approximately 9 p.m., shots rang out at a popular New Jersey beach destination, ending the life of Whyte.
The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that Whyte suffered at least one gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The New Brunswick teen had built a significant following as “hi.imchrys” on TikTok, where he showcased his athletic talents and engaging personality.
Law enforcement moved quickly, arresting and charging a juvenile with Whyte’s murder. Due to the suspect’s age, authorities have withheld his identity from the public.
The teenager faces multiple serious charges including murder and unlawful possession of a weapon, and is currently being held in a juvenile detention center.
Additionally, 18-year-old Dwayne Exilus has been charged with conspiracy to commit unlawful possession of a weapon and several other weapons-related offenses.
Whyte’s friends revealed that the TikTok star had been targeted and antagonized by local youth during his live videos.
This raises questions about whether this harassment played a role in his death.
Investigators are still working to determine if the suspects were involved in this bullying or if they had prior knowledge of Whyte before the fatal encounter.
In a chilling coincidence, Whyte posted two videos on TikTok just hours before his death.
One video featured a cautionary message that now seems prophetic: “Stay away from ppl that ignore you until they need you.”
His final video showed him relaxing in a striped blue chair on the very beach where he would later lose his life, with the location tagged as #longbranch in the caption.
Beyond his social media presence, Whyte was remembered as a dedicated student-athlete who played football and wrestled for Woodbridge High School.
His former football coach shared heartfelt memories of the teen, describing him as an exceptional young man who made a positive impact on those around him.
“Chrys was an unbelievable kid. He brought energy and enthusiasm every day,” the former coach said.
The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office has detailed the extensive charges against the juvenile suspect.
These include “murder, conspiracy to commit unlawful possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, possession of a prohibited weapon and hindering.”
Exilus faces second-degree conspiracy charges along with weapons possession violations.
This tragic case underscores the growing concern about juvenile crime and illegal weapons access that continues to threaten public safety across America.
As communities mourn the loss of yet another promising young life cut short by senseless violence, questions remain about how to address the root causes of youth violence and keep dangerous weapons out of the wrong hands.
'Whole situation was about egos': Teen TikTok star gunned down on beach hours after making a selfie video in that same spot, prosecutors say https://t.co/PmXKeYTUDQ
— Law & Crime (@lawcrimenews) July 2, 2025
