OnlyFans model Courtney Clenney denied bail for fatal stabbing
Topics: True crime, US News, Crime
Mason Jones
Featured Image Credit: @courtneytailor/Instagram / Sipa US / Alamy Stock Photo
Topics: True crime, US News, Crime
The OnlyFans model charged with murdering her boyfriend has been denied bail.
Courtney Clenney was arrested in Hawaii back in August on suspicion of second degree murder with a deadly weapon.
The 26-year-old, known as Courtney Tailor on Instagram where she has two million followers, is accused of the killing of her partner, Christian Obumseli.
Clenney's legal team claimed that the model was being attacked by Christian, before stabbing him in self defence, and argued that because of this she should be released pending trial.
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A hearing last month reviewed whether Clenney should have the right to some freedom before the case is heard in court but the judge has now denied that appeal in writing.
Judge Laura Shearon Cruz wrote: “From the evidence presented during this hearing, the Court does not find the Defendant’s claim of self-defence on April 3, 2022, credible."
While Clenney's attorney argued that she acted in self defence, Obumseli’s family said that they believe he did not pose a threat.
Police confirmed her arrest in a statement at the time and said: "Members of the Hawaii Police Department assisted and stood by while Clenney was taken into custody by the United States Marshals Service.
"She was arrested on the strength of an arrest warrant issued by Miami-Dade County, Florida, for the offense of murder in the second-degree with a deadly weapon.
"Clenney is being held at the Hawai’i Police Department‘s East Hawai’i Detention Center pending her initial court appearance in Hilo District Court, tentatively scheduled for Thursday, August 11, 2022.
"She will eventually be extradited to Florida."
The influencer's Miami defence lawyer, Frank Prieto, confirmed the news to the Miami Herald, saying Clenney had been staying at a Hawaii rehab centre for substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder.
He said at the time of the arrest: "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."
A Miami Police Department spokesperson said at the time: "We know that there was a physical altercation between them before he was stabbed."
Obumseli’s family lawyer Larry Handfield previously criticised claims Clenney acted in self-defence, saying police were influenced by her 'blonde hair and blue eyes'.
He also noted the fact that she has an open warrant in California for a 2015 public intoxication case.
She was also arrested in Texas in September 2020 for driving under the influence, according to court documents.
A GoFundMe was launched for financial assistance to cover post-mortem transportation of Obumseil's body, as well as funeral arrangements, attorney fees, litigation, counselling and bills for the family.
So far, the crowdfunding page has raised over $83,500 of its $100,000 goal.
Clenney will now remain in jail as the case proceeds.