Tylicia Bell. Credit :
6abc Philadelphia/Youtube
- A grieving grandmother in Pennsylvania is speaking out about naming her granddaughter “Miracle” after her daughter was murdered at age 19 when she was eight months pregnant
- Police alleged that Tanyiah Bell was shot dead by her boyfriend, Kaiheem Jerelle Williams, 19, at their home on Nov. 14, 2024, according to 6abc Action News. Police confirmed the suspect has been charged with first-degree murder
- Miracle weighed just 4 lbs when she was born. Her grandmother and Tanyiah’s mother, Tylicia Bell, called the baby girl “a true fighter,” per the outlet
A grandmother is speaking out as she continues to raise her “miracle” granddaughter, whose mother was reportedly shot dead by her boyfriend when she was eight months pregnant.
On Nov. 15, 2024, Kaiheem Jerelle Williams, 19, was charged with first-degree murder following the death of his girlfriend the day prior, Pennsylvania’s Lansdowne Police Chief Ken Rutherford previously stated in a Facebook post.
The victim was identified as Tanyiah Bell, 19, who was fatally shot in the couple’s apartment, per WPVI’s 6abc Action News.
Tanyiah’s mother, Tylicia Bell, has been grieving the tragic loss of her daughter, while still trying to be strong for her granddaughter, who was born on Nov. 14 — the day her mom was killed — weighing just 4 lbs.
The baby girl, named Tanyiah Miracle Bell, now weighs 19 lbs. eight months later, but has multiple health issues after suffering a severe brain injury due to low oxygen at birth, 6abc Action News reported.
Baby Miracle has cerebral palsy and a tracheostomy tube for breathing, among other health issues, and continues to receive treatment at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. However, Tylicia insisted “she’s a true fighter,” per the outlet.
A photo of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Alamy
“When I first set eyes on her in the NICU, I just knew that she’s her miracle,” Tylicia told the station, adding, “I knew that God left me something because I lost my only child.”
“When Tanyiah got to the hospital, they got Miracle out within 5 minutes. When they pulled her out, she was gray,” Tylicia recalled to 6abc Action News. “They did CPR on her for 25 minutes, and they were able to get a heartbeat.”
“Everything she’s been through, we’ve gotten through. She’s been fighting through it, and we’ve been right by her side every step of her way,” she added, per the station.
Tylicia shared, “She may never be able to walk. She can’t blink. She can’t smile. She can’t react to us, but the doctors did say she has perfect eyes and perfect ears, so I know she sees the love, hears the love,” adding that baby Miracle “looks just like” her daughter.
“I feel like I’m raising my daughter all over again,” she told the outlet. “I wish my daughter was here to see this, but I know she’s watching over us and is like, ‘Mom, you got this.’ “
A GoFundMe has been set up by Tylicia to raise money for things like a larger vehicle to safely transport Miracle and her medical equipment, specialized medical items not covered by insurance, home modifications and daily essentials and therapy.
“Despite everything, Miracle continues to show a strength that brings us to tears. She is the reason I believe in the power of faith, and that’s why I gave her the name ‘Miracle.’ She is truly a blessing, a fighter, and a living testimony,” Tylicia wrote on the page.
“As her grandmother and now full-time caregiver, I’ve had to step into a role I never imagined—becoming her nurse, advocate and voice. I haven’t been able to return to work since the tragedy, and I am doing everything I can as the only surviving grandparent. But I cannot do this alone,” she continued.
A photo of a Lansdowne Police car. Lansdowne Police Department Facebook
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The GoFundMe page had raised just over $3,000 as of Wednesday, July 16.
Lansdowne Police Chief Ken Rutherford didn’t immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. PEOPLE has also reached out to Tylicia Bell.
