A TikTok star who killed a man in a traffic accident during an SNS live broadcast has finally been arrested by police.
According to the Daily Mail's report on the 24th (local time), TikToker Tea Tyme (real name Tinesha McCarty-Rotton·43) was recently arrested in Zion, Illinois, and charged with two felonies, including reckless homicide and aggravated use of a communication device causing death.
According to police, McCarty-Rotton, while driving in the Zion area near Chicago on Nov. 3, hit and killed pedestrian Darren Lucas, 59, who was crossing a crosswalk. The scene was broadcast live, and after the collision a voice saying, "F, f**, f***. I hit someone," was transmitted on the live broadcast, authorities said.
It was reported that a young child was in the car at the time of the accident. The live broadcast captured the child's voice asking, "What's happening?" as well as another passenger checking the driver's condition, adding to the shock.
After the incident, McCarty-Rotton faced intense criticism online. Public sentiment worsened rapidly when it was revealed that immediately after the accident she requested cash donations via Cash App, citing a "break to recover mentally." She reportedly later went live again several days afterward and appealed for donations, saying, "If you have the means, please help."
Regarding this, the victim's son-in-law, Chris King, told The Guardian, "I heard the news of the arrest from the state prosecutor's office," and added, "The whole family is relieved that the wheel of justice has started to turn."
Meanwhile, in most U.S. states, live streaming while driving is illegal or clearly punishable. Because actions that divert a driver's attention from the road can lead to fatal accidents, this case has been pointed to as a warning about the reckless "live broadcast culture" of the SNS era.
Even after the fatal accident, McCarty-Rotton continued online activities, and the belated arrest has drawn criticism and calls for vigilance not only in American society but also among SNS users.
[Photo] SNS
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