A disturbing social media confession, “I shot that man… I’m about to rob something right now”, is at the center of a violent crime case that has led to the arrest of a Virginia woman.
The woman, Shantay Lashay O’Donnell, 46, is accused of shooting a gas station employee during an attempted robbery in Maryland.
Authorities say O’Donnell was taken into custody Tuesday in another state on unrelated charges and has since been identified as the suspect in the April 17 shooting at a Shell gas station in Columbia.
Investigators say she is expected to be extradited to Maryland to face multiple criminal charges connected to the incident.
Shooting During Attempted Robbery
According to police, officers responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 7:43 p.m. at a Shell station on Cradlerock Way. When they arrived, they found a gas station employee suffering from serious injuries.
The victim was transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center for emergency treatment.
Investigators believe the shooting occurred during an attempted robbery. Surveillance footage from the scene reportedly played a key role in identifying O’Donnell as the suspect.
Social Media Confession Raises Alarm
In a shocking twist, authorities say O’Donnell appeared to publicly confess to the crime in a video posted online before her arrest. In the recording, she directly addressed law enforcement, stating:
“You’re looking for me. It’s me. I’m the one that did the shooting at the gas station.”
She went further, making alarming statements about committing additional crimes, including robbery and arson. In the same video, she claimed she shot the victim because he “laughed in [her] face,” and made erratic remarks suggesting she intended to continue criminal activity.
Law enforcement officials have not commented on whether the video influenced the timeline of her arrest, but sources indicate it is now part of the ongoing investigation.
Investigation and Next Steps
Police say the case remains active as they prepare for O’Donnell’s transfer to Maryland. Charges are expected to include attempted murder, armed robbery, and related offenses.
The incident has raised concerns about escalating violent crime and the role of social media in broadcasting criminal intent. Authorities are urging the public to report suspicious or threatening online content, noting that early intervention can be critical in preventing further harm.
As the victim continues to receive treatment, investigators are working to piece together the full sequence of events leading up to the shooting, an incident made even more unsettling by the suspect’s own words, shared publicly before her arrest.
