A Florida teen has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after fatally stabbing her boyfriend during what the defense described as “horseplay” in a parking garage.
Florida Teen Sentenced in Boyfriend’s Death
Jahara Malik, 18, pleaded guilty in March to manslaughter with a deadly weapon in the death of 17-year-old Yahkeim Lollar.
A Miami judge sentenced her to 17 years in prison during an emotional hearing filled with statements from both families.
Stabbing Happened in Apartment Parking Garage
According to police, the incident happened on Dec. 20, 2024, at Lollar’s apartment complex in Miami.
Investigators said Malik brought a knife with her after she could not find her pepper spray before leaving home. She later met Lollar in a parking garage, where the two were reportedly “horseplaying.”
Authorities said Malik stabbed Lollar in the chest. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
Prosecutors Rejected ‘Horseplay’ Defense
Prosecutors argued the stabbing was too severe to be considered an accident, saying the knife pierced through clothing, muscle, and into the victim’s heart.
Lollar’s family also rejected the idea that the stabbing happened during harmless play.
During the hearing, family members described the emotional pain caused by the teen’s death and asked the judge for a lengthy prison sentence.
Defendant Says She Tried to Save Him
Malik told the court she accepted responsibility for her actions and said she immediately tried to help Lollar after the stabbing.
She called her actions reckless and admitted the knife should never have been taken out.
Her defense attorney argued that she did not intend to kill Lollar and asked the judge to consider rehabilitation instead of a long prison term.
However, the judge said the seriousness of the crime and the loss of life required a significant sentence.
