Miami Teenager Pleads Guilty to Fatally Stabbing Ex-Boyfriend

Jahara Malik admits manslaughter in 2024 death of Yahkeim Lollar, as victim's mother calls for maximum sentence.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:48pm

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A 17-year-old Miami girl pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the 2024 fatal stabbing of her ex-boyfriend, Yahkeim Lollar, bringing an emotional case closer to resolution as the court prepares to decide her sentence.

Why it matters

The case has drawn significant attention in the Miami community, with the victim's family calling for justice and the maximum sentence for Malik. It also raises broader issues around domestic violence, teen relationships, and the criminal justice system's approach to youthful offenders.

The details

Malik claimed the stabbing was part of horseplay, but Lollar's loved ones have been vocal in demanding justice. Malik's attorney says she is "devastated" and "remorseful" and may ask the judge for alternative sentencing like boot camp or being sentenced as a youthful offender.

  • The fatal stabbing occurred on December 20, 2024.
  • Malik pleaded guilty to manslaughter on March 16, 2026.
  • Malik's sentencing is scheduled for May 5th.

The players

Jahara Malik

A 17-year-old Miami girl who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the 2024 fatal stabbing of her ex-boyfriend, Yahkeim Lollar.

Yahkeim Lollar

A 17-year-old former Northwestern High School football player who was fatally stabbed by his ex-girlfriend Jahara Malik in 2024.

Nathalie Jean

The mother of victim Yahkeim Lollar, who is calling for the maximum sentence for Malik and says she does not believe Malik is remorseful.

Larry Handfield

The attorney for Jahara Malik, who says she wants to take responsibility and may ask the judge for alternative sentencing like boot camp or being sentenced as a youthful offender.

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What they’re saying

“It's bittersweet—we're almost at the end. Now, justice is in the judge's hands. I hope my son can finally rest in peace. I want the maximum sentence. She killed my son for no reason, and I don't believe she's remorseful. If she was, she wouldn't have waited so long to take responsibility.”

— Nathalie Jean, Mother of victim Yahkeim Lollar (CBS News Miami)

“She wants to take responsibility even though there were unintended consequences. It says a whole lot that she is wanting to accept responsibility. Manslaughter is negligent conduct that was brought on, even though this was not the intended result.”

— Larry Handfield, Attorney for Jahara Malik (CBS News Miami)

“I think she did the right thing. She is devastated. She's been remorseful since day 1. She immediately called 911 and tried to do life-saving measures.”

— Larry Handfield, Attorney for Jahara Malik (CBS News Miami)

What’s next

A sentencing date of May 5th was set for Malik. She could face up to 30 years in prison, but her attorney may ask the judge for alternative sentencing such as boot camp or being sentenced as a youthful offender.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and emotional issues surrounding domestic violence, teen relationships, and the criminal justice system's approach to youthful offenders. The victim's family is calling for the maximum sentence, while the defendant's attorney is seeking more lenient alternatives, underscoring the difficult balance the judge must strike in determining an appropriate punishment.