Two men have been charged in connection with the shooting death of TikTok Influencer Chrystofer A. Whyte.
According to a press release issued by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, a juvenile defendant — whose name is being withheld due to his age — is currently being held at a juvenile detention center and has been served with juvenile complaints that include murder and unlawful possession of a weapon.
Dwayne Exilus, 18, was also charged with a variety of crimes, including second-degree conspiracy to commit unlawful possession of a weapon (handgun), prosecutors announced.
On June 12, the Long Branch Police Department responded to a New Jersey beach for a report of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers discovered an adult male victim suffering from a single gunshot wound.
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The victim, identified as Whyte, 18, was later pronounced dead at the scene. Police say the investigation is still ongoing.
On the day he was allegedly murdered, the content creator — who posted under the username hi.imchrys — shared two videos on TikTok.
One video featured Whyte reclining in a chair with a message to his followers. “Stay away from ppl that ignore you until they need you,” he wrote.
His final video was captured near the blue ocean water as he sat in a beach chair and panned the camera up to reveal the crowd of beachgoers behind him and his pink swim trunks. He tagged #longbranch in the TikTok caption.
In addition to being a TikTok influencer, Whyte was also a student athlete who reportedly played football and wrestled for Woodbridge High School.
Former football coach Joseph LaSala, who worked with Whyte for three seasons, praised the athlete’s work ethic and character.
“Chrys was an unbelievable kid,” LaSala shared with TAPinto Middletown. “He brought energy and enthusiasm every day. He was respectful, focused and a joy to coach. This is heartbreaking.”
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Since Whyte’s death, a GoFundMe has been launched to help raise funds for funeral expenses. As of press time, more than $16,000 had been raised.
“He meant so much to everyone,” his close friend Jaiden Roche wrote in the fundraiser’s description. “This tragedy has a huge impact on his family and friends. He was very loved by many and this all still seems like a dream. … It’s my duty to make sure he goes out with a bang and a beautiful last goodbye.”
Anyone who may have information regarding the incident is urged to contact Long Branch Police.
