Three teenagers charged in connection with shooting of TikTok influencer at New Jersey beach.

Three teenagers have been indicted in connection with the fatal shooting of Chrystofer Whyte, an 18-year-old aspiring TikTok influencer, near a Jersey Shore boardwalk last summer. The announcement, made by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, details the charges against Dwayne Exilus, Isaiah Walker, both 19, and 18-year-old Jahbron Goff, who is facing the most serious allegations.

The indictments include multiple charges for all three suspects: second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, conspiracy, third-degree hindering, and fourth-degree possession of a prohibited weapon. Goff, initially prosecuted as a juvenile, has received additional charges that include first-degree murder and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Exilus and Walker face an additional charge of third-degree hindering the apprehension of another.

The incident took place on June 12, 2025, in Pier Village, during a summer evening when the beach was crowded for its first outdoor concert of the season. Authorities received reports of gunfire around 9 p.m. and found Whyte suffering from a single gunshot wound in a location between the shoreline and the boardwalk. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Whyte had garnered a substantial following on TikTok, boasting nearly 100,000 followers prior to his untimely death.

Whyte graduated from Woodbridge High School just before the tragic event, and friends described him as a dedicated content creator who had turned his TikTok endeavors into a lucrative career. Reports suggest that the dispute leading to the shooting may have originated from online interactions, particularly within the TikTok environment. Friends indicated that tensions escalated due to derogatory comments made during a live video, reflecting an intense online rivalry that ultimately spilled over into violence.

While investigations are ongoing, authorities have not disclosed further details regarding the circumstances of Whyte’s death. The case has drawn significant attention, not only due to the tragic nature of the event but also because of the emerging influence of social media on youth interactions and relationships. The indictments mark a significant step in the ongoing efforts to address violence in the local community, particularly in spaces frequented by young individuals.

As this case develops, the community remains vigilant, highlighting the urgent necessity for dialogues surrounding online behavior and its potential repercussions in the physical world.