OnlyFans Model Arrested for Boyfriend’s Murder

August 15, 2022 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, News & Announcements, Violent Crimes Social Share

An OnlyFans model is accused of stabbing and killing her boyfriend back in April 2022. Courtney Clenney, 26 has just been arrested and charged with the second-degree murder of Christian “Toby” Obumseli.

The couple got together in November 2020, and supposedly have always had an “extremely tempestuous and combative” relationship. There were allegedly multiple complaints about loud arguments they had in their apartment, and the management even said they were considering evicting them. Clenney had supposedly kicked Obumseli from the apartment, but they made up just days prior to the killing.

Clenney’s defense team is claiming she acted out of self-defense, but the prosecution and Obumseli’s family are denying the possibility that he would have ever acted out violently. We will cover the details of the case, the argument for self-defense, and information on second-degree murder in Florida.

What was the Incident?

On April 3^rd, 2022 the neighbors of Clenney and Obumseli started calling the security of their apartment building to report a loud disturbance. Clenney called 911 at 4:57 p.m., during which she requested help for her boyfriend.  

State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said, “[o]n that 911 call Christian can be heard the background. We repeatedly say that he was saying he was losing feeling in his arm. Defendant Clenney is also heard saying, ‘I’m so sorry.’”

 Police believe that Obumseli had been stabbed sometime between 4:33 p.m. and 4:57 p.m. There are records from the apartment showing he had left the apartment after 1 p.m. but returned around 4:32 p.m.

The authorities also found that Clenney had made two separate phone calls to her mother during the same time frame, all before she called 911. Clenney’s mother provided a statement to investigators that she overheard her daughter shouting at Obumseli to leave the apartment while they were on the phone.

Clenney has now been arrested and charged with second-degree murder for Obumseli’s death. Clenney had been in Hawaii at the time of her arrest, attending a rehabilitation center for substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder. Clenney is now being extradited back to Miami-Dade County to face trial.

Clenney’s lawyer, Frank Prieto, confirmed the arrest on Wednesday afternoon: “I’m completely shocked, especially since we were cooperating with the investigation and offered to voluntarily surrender her if she were charged. We look forward to clearing her name in court.”

Self Defense?

After calling the police, Clenney said that she had acted in self-defense after the couple got into the heated argument. She claimed that Obumseli grabbed her by the throat and shoved her against the wall.

In the interview she gave, Rundle recalled “then she says he threw her to the ground but allowed her to get up. And it was at that point that Clenney went to a kitchen area and got the knife as Christian sort of approached her. She threw the knife at him from a distance that she’s estimated to be about 10 feet.”

However, based on the medical examiner’s report, the stab wound Obsumeli received had a “forceful downward thrust.” Rundle said the chief medical examiner disagreed that Clenney’s knife throw could have caused the stab wound that killed her boyfriend.

In addition, a video dated back from February shows the couple in a physical altercation only a month after moving into their apartment. The video shows Clenney initiating physical assault on Obumseli, but it is unclear what started the fight.

“You will draw your own conclusion, but it clearly appears that the defendant was aggressively attacking Christian,” Rundle said.

Obumseli’s family has also been forward about their issues with Clenney in the past. They have stressed that she has had a history of “being the aggressor” in the relationship. They have said there’s no reason to believe Clenney was acting in self-defense. “Toby was raised by a very strong family, with strong morals, strong values,” one of his cousins said. “He does not come from that.”

“What you saw in the elevator was just an isolated glimpse of a pattern of conduct that was demonstrated by the defendant in this case,” Larry Handfield said, who is the lawyer representing Obumseli’s family.

However, lawyer Frank Prieto addressed his utter shock at his client Clenney’s arrest. He claimed the couple’s relationship was “clearly toxic” and that there was clear evidence of self-defense in this matter. “Obumseli attacked her and choked her that evening,” Prieto said. “Courtney had no choice but to meet force with force.”

Second-Degree Murder in Florida

In Florida, second-degree murder is defined under Florida Statute Section 782.04 as an unlawful killing during which the defendant had a depraved mind. This means that there was no premeditation to carry out the murder, but the act itself was dangerous and showed no regard for human life.

A second-degree murder conviction is classified as a first-degree felony. That means if convicted, the defendant could face up to a $10,000 fine, and up to 30 years in prison. To find out more about the different murder charges in Florida and its penalties, read our page here.

Finding a Defense Attorney in Tallahassee, Florida

Getting accused of murder is an extremely serious offense in any state. Florida especially takes these charges seriously, since it is one of few states still imposing the death penalty. If you or a loved one has been accused of a violent crime, your top priority should be reaching out to a skilled defense attorney in your area. You may feel like you are out of options after getting arrested for a violent crime, but a knowledgeable defense attorney can present you with various options. Don Pumphrey and his team at Pumphrey Law Firm have experience representing clients across the state for various charges. We vow to stand by your side throughout the entire process and fight for your freedom. For a free consultation call (850) 681-7777 or leave an online message today.

Written by Karissa Key

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