Tragedy in Albuquerque: TikTok Star Tophiachu’s Family Targeted in Deadly Carjacking & Shootout

Summary of the Events Involving Tophiachu and Her Family

• Incident Overview:

  • On March 11, 2025, a violent shooting and carjacking incident took place in Northeast Albuquerque, involving TikTok influencer Tophia Slydell (Tophiachu) and her family. (ABQ RAW)
  • Around 3:30 a.m., a man opened fire on a family sleeping in a vehicle at the St. Andrew Presbyterian Church parking lot, killing a man (Tophiachu’s brother) and injuring her mother. (Albuquerque Journal)
  • The shooter then drove off in their car, with Tophiachu’s brother’s body and her injured mother still inside. (Albuquerque Journal)

• The Carjacking & Crash:

  • Approximately 10 minutes later, the suspect crashed into a Jeep near Sunset Pointe Apartments, located in the 6500 block of Montgomery, near Louisiana. (Albuquerque Journal)
  • After the crash, the suspect and the Jeep driver began fighting, and the altercation moved into the apartment complex parking lot. (KOB 4)
  • A security guard intervened, shooting and killing the suspect. (ABQ RAW)
  • The Jeep driver later told police that the security guard “saved his life.” (Albuquerque Journal)

• Aftermath & Investigation:

  • Tophiachu’s mother survived but was hospitalized with serious injuries. (ABQ RAW)
  • The motive remains unclear, and police are still gathering details from multiple crime scenes. (Albuquerque Journal)
  • Montgomery Boulevard was shut down for several hours while authorities investigated. (KOB 4)

• Tophiachu’s Response:

  • Following the incident, Tophiachu posted a message on Instagram, saying, “Tell your loved ones you love them. Hug them, you know?”
  • She later deleted the post, stating she had not been advised to speak publicly about the situation. (Albuquerque Journal)