Woman Killed After Flaunting Money on Social Media

You wouldn't go to a questionable part of town and let everyone know that you were carrying wads of cash. Likewise, you shouldn't post pictures of yourself with a bunch of money on social media. You can't be sure who will see it or if they have the ability to track you down. In a tragic case out of Illinois, one woman was killed in a home invasion after a man at the residence posted a photo flaunting a recently-acquired sum of money.

Personal Injury Cash Leads to Murder

Kaleah Beville wasn't even the one who posted the photo, but the 36-year-old was struck when Zavian D. Wells and another man allegedly broke into the home and fired several rounds from their semi-automatic weapons. Beville died later that day, February 16, at the hospital, and two others were wounded. Authorities believe the robbery was planned by the pair after Wells saw a photo of money posted on social media by a male resident who won the cash in a personal-injury lawsuit.

Police were able to track down the pair after they were caught on surveillance video fleeing the scene in a white Chevy Impala. Wells is being held on a $3 million bond and has been charged with first-degree murder.

Tips for Social Media

Unfortunately, this is not the first time robbers targeted a home after seeing a cash-flaunting post on social media. To help keep yourself and loved ones safe, here are a few tips for social media:

• Don't flaunt photos of yourself bathing in piles of money on social media. This may seem obvious at this point, but it had to be said.
• Don't post photos of expensive items around your home.
• Post photos of your vacation once you're home, not while you're gone. No need to announce that your home is unattended and up for grabs.
• Check your security settings and limit who can see your photos and profile information. On that note, don't include information that shows where you live, work, or send your kids to school.
• Don't post photos of yourself engaged in criminal activity. Better yet, don't engage in criminal activity.

If you've been accused of a crime thanks to social media, speak with an experienced defense attorney to protect your rights.

Related Resources:

• Find Criminal Defense Lawyers Near You (FindLaw's Lawyer Directory)
• Tips from Cyber Security Professionals to Keep Your Social Media Secure (ABC News)
• I Know What You Did Last Summer, Thanks to Social Media (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
• Social Media and Students: The Basics (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)