On September 29, 2024, a disturbing discovery shook the Baton Rouge community and the mental health profession: the body of Dr. William Nicholas “Nick” Abraham, a respected 69-year-old therapist from Baton Rouge, was found wrapped in a tarp beside a rural highway in Tangipahoa Parish.
The subsequent investigation revealed that Abraham died from violent blunt force trauma to his head, neck, and shoulders.The case quickly attracted public attention, in part because the chief suspect is a 20-year-old social media personality known as “Mr. Prada” (real name: Terryon Ishmael Thomas), who is now facing serious charges in connection with the killing.
In this article, we examine what is known so far in the case of the “baton rouge therapist killed,” how the investigation is unfolding, and broader issues around safety, mental health, and the risks faced by therapists. At the end, you’ll find some FAQs summarizing key points.
Table of Contents
- Background: Who Was Dr. Nick Abraham
- Discovery of the Body & Crime Scene
- The Suspect: TikTok Star “Mr. Prada”
- The Charges & Legal Proceedings
- Investigative Leads & Evidence
- Community Reaction & Impact
- Safety of Mental Health Professionals
- Broader Issues and Reflections
- FAQs
1. Background: Who Was Dr. Nick Abraham
Dr. William Nicholas “Nick” Abraham was a well-known therapist from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with decades of work in counseling, life coaching, and public media.
He was also formerly a Catholic priest before transitioning into mental health work.Over the years, he appeared in television segments and community forums offering mental health advice, substance-abuse counseling, and motivational guidance.
Though Abraham had a long professional history, he was not without controversy. In 2015, he was accused of inappropriately touching an 11-year-old patient during a session; the case was later dropped. Regardless, many who knew him described him as a gentle, caring, and service-minded individual.
By all accounts, Abraham maintained a significant reputation and a network of clients. His brutal murder has triggered shock not only in his local community but in mental health circles more broadly.
2. Discovery of the Body & Crime Scene
2.1 Timeline & Location
- Abraham was reportedly last seen arriving at an apartment complex in Baton Rouge on Saturday, September 28, 2024, around 11 a.m., based on surveillance video.
- On the following day, Sunday, his body was discovered wrapped in a tarp in a ditch along Highway 51 between Fluker and the Village of Tangipahoa, in Tangipahoa Parish.
- The body was found inside a tarp, with a gray comforter duct-taped around it, and a dark towel covering the head.
According to officials, the probable time of the homicide was Saturday night, before the body was moved and dumped along the highway.
2.2 Autopsy & Cause of Death
The coroner’s office determined that Dr. Abraham died from blunt force trauma affecting his head, neck, and shoulders, consistent with a violent, forceful attack. The injuries indicated multiple blows or impacts.
Sheriff Gerald Sticker described the case as “very physical, very violent.” There was extensive bruising.
No weapon was found at the body site, and investigators believe the murder occurred elsewhere, with the body later transported to the highway ditch.
2.3 Crime Scene in the Suspect’s Apartment
When law enforcement executed a search at the suspect’s apartment, they reportedly found “a significant amount of blood,” multiple sharp objects, and other weapons. They also believe the suspect attempted to clean the scene and discard evidence.
This interior crime scene evidence is considered critical to linking the suspect to the homicide.
3. The Suspect: TikTok Star “Mr. Prada”
3.1 Identity & Online Persona
The suspect, Terryon Ishmael Thomas, is a 20-year-old TikTok personality known by the handle “Mr. Prada”. He had amassed millions of followers on social media, making him a known figure in the digital space.
3.2 Arrest & Fleeing
Investigators say Abraham’s vehicle was spotted in Denham Springs, and Thomas was seen entering a business in the region.
In Baton Rouge, police attempted to stop the vehicle but say it crashed into a marked unit. Thomas reportedly fled on foot, but was later apprehended in Dallas, Texas.
He was then booked on charges including aggravated criminal damage to property, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and resisting an officer.
3.3 Connection to Crime
- Thomas is alleged to have been the last person seen driving Abraham’s vehicle.
- Inside his apartment, investigators reportedly found traces of blood and potential weapons.
- Surveillance footage places Abraham arriving at Thomas’s apartment complex before his disappearance.
The chain of evidence and the timeline implicate Thomas as a central suspect, although formal murder charges were initially for second-degree murder.
4. The Charges & Legal Proceedings
4.1 Initial Charges
The suspect was initially charged with second-degree murder in Abraham’s killing. Additional charges included:
- Obstruction of justice
- Aggravated criminal damage to property
- Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
- Resisting an officer
These charges reflect actions around the crime scene and the flight from law enforcement.
4.2 Upgraded Charges
Prosecutors later upgraded the case to first-degree murder, citing a Louisiana statute that increases the severity when the victim is 65 years or older. Under that law, the case becomes eligible for the death penalty.
As of the latest reports, the motive remains under investigation, and prosecutors continue to amass evidence to support the upgraded charge.
4.3 Legal Strategy & Defense
Defense attorneys may challenge evidence chain, scene contamination, or claims of intent. In homicide cases, establishing mens rea (intent to kill) and linking the suspect conclusively to the violent act are critical.
If Thomas is tried under first-degree murder, the state must prove premeditation or deliberate intent beyond a reasonable doubt. Given the age condition, the enhanced charge may rest on statutory grounds as well.
No trial has yet occurred, and many details of the defense strategy are not public. The case will likely involve forensic evidence, digital footprints, surveillance footage, witness testimony, and possibly statements from the suspect.
5. Investigative Leads & Evidence
5.1 Surveillance and Video Footage
- Video captured Abraham arriving at Thomas’s apartment.
- CCTV in nearby areas tracked Thomas’s movements and his use of Abraham’s car.
These videos help place both victim and suspect in close proximity and provide timeline verification.
5.2 Physical & Forensic Evidence
- Blood stains and weapons found in Thomas’s apartment.
- Items recovered in vehicle or from the crime scene may link to Thomas.
- Autopsy findings demonstrate a violent assault consistent with forced trauma.
- Forensics (DNA, fingerprint, fiber analysis) may tie Thomas to the scene or the victim.
5.3 Digital & Cell Phone Data
Investigators likely are analyzing:
- Cell phone location logs to confirm Thomas’s whereabouts
- Text messages, social media interactions, or direct communications between Abraham and Thomas
- TikTok or other social media behavior before or after the crime
5.4 Witness Reports & Tips
As with many homicide investigations, community tips, eyewitness statements, and local leads will be crucial. Authorities have released images of a person of interest and called on the public for assistance.
6. Community Reaction & Impact
The brutal slaying of a spouse, father, community counselor, and mental health professional has sent ripples through Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes. Many described Abraham as a gentle, caring person who would seem unlikely to attract violence.
Local leaders, clients, and colleagues expressed shock, mourning, and demands for accountability. The case has also raised public concern about safety, crime rates, and how high-profile figures are scrutinized.
Because of the suspect’s TikTok fame, the case has drawn national media attention, spotlighting how social media personalities intersect with real-world crime.
In broader mental health circles, the case has prompted reflection on how vulnerable therapists may be, and whether more protections or risk awareness are needed.
7. Safety of Mental Health Professionals
Therapists, counselors, and mental health professionals often work with vulnerable populations, some of whom may have unstable emotional states, histories of trauma, or violent histories themselves. While the vast majority of therapeutic relationships are safe and constructive, high-risk scenarios can arise.
7.1 Known Risks
- Home visits or meeting patients in unconventional locations
- Late evening or off-hours appointments
- Clients with a history of aggression, substance abuse, or crisis
- Working alone without security measures
7.2 Preventive Practices
Some safety practices commonly recommended in mental health settings include:
- Meeting in offices or neutral, monitored settings
- Having check-ins or “buddy systems” when meeting clients offsite
- Maintaining clear boundaries and documentation
- Carrying or making readily available panic alarms or emergency contacts
- Undergoing training in de-escalation and crisis management
- Ensuring another staff member is aware of appointments and locations
The tragedy in Baton Rouge underscores that even seasoned clinicians may face unpredictable dangers.
8. Broader Issues and Reflections
8.1 The Intersection of Social Media & Crime
When a suspect is a social media influencer, the dynamics change. Public notoriety can accelerate media attention, complicate witness attempts to approach, or generate false leads. The case of “Mr. Prada” exemplifies this intersection: an influencer now tied to a brutal homicide case.
8.2 Public Trust & Mental Health
A high-profile violence against a therapist may, regrettably, foster fear or mistrust in mental health services. Some potential clients might hesitate to seek care due to safety anxieties. It’s vital to counteract that by reinforcing the many safeguards and protections in professional practice.
8.3 Justice, Closure & the Victim’s Legacy
Even if Thomas is convicted, the human lives disrupted—the family, clients, community—will need more than legal closure. It is a reminder of how mental health work is woven into the social fabric, and how the loss of a practitioner resonates beyond their immediate circle.
9. FAQs
Q1: Who was killed in the “baton rouge therapist killed” case?
Dr. William Nicholas “Nick” Abraham, a 69-year-old therapist and former priest from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was found dead on September 29, 2024.
Q2: How did he die?
An autopsy concluded he died from blunt force trauma to the head, neck, and shoulders after a violent attack.
Q3: Who is suspected of committing the murder?
The primary suspect is Terryon Ishmael Thomas, a 20-year-old TikTok personality known as “Mr. Prada.”
Q4: What charges are being pursued?
Originally, Thomas was charged with second-degree murder, plus related charges such as obstruction of justice and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Later, prosecutors upgraded to first-degree murder, given the victim’s age.
Q5: What evidence connects Thomas to the crime?
Investigators cite surveillance footage, possession of Abraham’s car, blood and weapons found in Thomas’s apartment, and timeline overlaps.
Q6: Has the trial taken place?
As of now, no trial has been reported. The legal process is ongoing, with pretrial investigations and evidence gathering underway.
Q7: What does this case mean for therapist safety?
It is a stark reminder that even trusted mental health professionals may face unpredictable risks. This can prompt renewed emphasis on safety protocols, risk training, and boundary policies in clinical practice.