TikTok star Mama Tot says she's 'grateful, but not happy' after son's alleged killer is arrested
- Influencer Ophelia Nichols, also known as "Mama Tot," spoke out after an arrest was made in her son's murder.
- Reuben Gulley, 20, a suspect in the shooting, surrendered to authorities on Thursday.
TikTok star Ophelia Nichols, also known as "Mama Tot," spoke out Friday after her son's alleged killer was arrested in Alabama and charged with murder.
In a video shared online, the Alabama-based influencer known for her uplifting content revealed that she's "grateful, but not happy" about the news.
"I'm getting a hundred messages saying 'you must be so happy right now,' and I am not. I am not happy," she said.
In late June, Nichols' son Randon Lee was fatally shot outside a gas station in Prichard, Alabama. According to WALA, investigators believe Lee was shot after he met up with two people to sell them marijuana.
Reuben Gulley, 20, surrendered to authorities at the Mobile County Metro Jail on Thursday, according to WALA. Gulley's name appears in the Mobile County jail database, Insider can confirm.
A warrant for Gulley's arrest was issued on August 4 and it is unclear whether investigators believe Gulley was the shooter or the getaway driver, WALA reported.
"When I seen that mugshot last night, I thought to myself 'My goodness, he's just a baby,'" Nichols said referring to Gulley.
After the shooting, Nichols took to TikTok, in a now-deleted video, mobilizing fans to help find the person responsible. According to Insider's Charissa Cheong, the video garnered over 19 million views and more than 400,000 comments supporting Nichols.
In response to the arrest, Nichols emphasized that there are two families hurting right now.
"And there's one thing that he and my baby child had in common, and that was that they both had a mother that would do absolutely anything for them. I'm sure they have that in common," Nichols said.
The content creator also opened up about the cruel comments people made about her son after his passing. She urged others not to do the same to Gulley's family.
"Cause I don't wish that on anybody, that was really hard for me," she said.
Comments on Nichols' video showed an outpouring of support from fans. "I applaud you for not taking it out on the family. You are such a good strong person," one TikTok user commented.
"I know it's gonna be a long road to justice, and I hope it's done right," Nichols concluded.
On Friday morning a local judge denied Gulley's bond request and an arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday, according to WALA.
Nichols did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. The Mobile County Sheriff's office and the Prichard Police Department did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.