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Cause and manner of death released for Castle Shannon teen killed in September arson | TribLIVE.com
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Cause and manner of death released for Castle Shannon teen killed in September arson

Michael DiVittorio
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Justin Vellucci | TribLive
WE WILL MISS U, reads a note left under flowers at a memorial to Lakyn Shelleby, 19, in Castle Shannon in September. Shelleby died in a fire the ravaged the house at 845 Corbett Drive on Sept. 14, 2025.

The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office has formally issued the cause and manner of death of a Castle Shannon teen who died in a house fire in September.

Lakyn Shelleby, 19, died of thermal injuries and inhalation of products of combustion. Her death was ruled a homicide, according to a medical examiner’s report released Tuesday evening.

Police say Shelleby’s father killed her Sept. 14 when he set fire to their house at 845 Corbett Drive following an argument with her mother.

Brian Jeffrey Shelleby, 46, poured much of a 5-gallon can of gasoline throughout the house before it exploded, according to police.

His wife, Carly Shelleby was rushed to UPMC Mercy hospital.

Her daughter, trapped inside the home, was dead at the scene.

Friends and family of the former University of Pittsburgh student created a memorial outside the home that began to build within a few days after the incident.

Online court documents indicate the father remains in the Allegheny County Jail after being denied bond.

He is charged with criminal homicide, causing or risking a catastrophe, two counts of aggravated arson, three counts of arson-endangering persons and one count of arson-endangering property.

His preliminary hearing is set for 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 10 in Pittsburgh Municipal Court.

Michael DiVittorio is a TribLive reporter covering general news in Western Pennsylvania, with a penchant for festivals and food. He can be reached at mdivittorio@triblive.com.

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