Castle Shannon, PA, Teen Killed in Fire; Dad Arrested

Firefighters located the victim, 19, dead as the gasoline-fed fire burned the Castle Shannon house.
Sept. 15, 2025

A domestic dispute Sunday culminated with a teen dead and her father charged with arson and homicide.

Castle Shannon Fire Chief Bill Reffner told WTAE crews encountered heavy fire and entered the house to search for the victim.

Firefighters located Lakyn Shlleby, 19, and pronounced her dead.

Her mother, Carly Shelleby was transported to a hospital in stable condition.

Brian Shelleby reportedly told his estranged wife he was going to "burn the house down" and started pouring gasoline in the gasoline in the garage, basement and first floor, police reported.

As she was running out of the house, it exploded. A neighbor said they saw the gas can fly from the house.

Neighbors raced to help but were unable to get inside.

Shelleby, 46, was charged with arson and homicide. He is being held in jail without bail. 

About the Author

Susan Nicol

News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues. 

Sign up for Firehouse Newsletters

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!