Danishka Sibaja Mejia's Murder: She Was Killed By Her Rapist In A Targeted Home Invasion

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Danishka Sibaja Mejia's life was brutally taken in April 2024—just one day after she reported being raped by a man she once considered a friend. 

Latawyne Osborne, the man she accused, later admitted to killing her, which helped him avoid the death penalty.

Latawyne Osborne 



A Brave Report Leads to Unthinkable Violence

On April 4, 2024, 22-year-old Danishka Sibaja Mejia walked into a Knoxville police station to officially file a criminal report. 

She told officers that Latawyne Osborne, a man she described as an acquaintance, had raped her, as reported by The Charlotte Observer. 

According to police reports, Mejia told investigators that she had fallen asleep at Osborne’s home after smoking and having a drink.

However, when she woke up, she discovered that she was partially naked, and her tampon was inexplicably removed. 

When she confronted Osborne, he denied doing anything wrong, and claimed he was innocent. 

But Mejia wanted justice, so she went to a local hospital for a forensic examination.

The test results confirmed the presence of Osborne’s DNA, supporting her claim that he had raped her

Despite her fear of retaliation—something she reportedly expressed to officers— Mejia chose to speak up. 

"She was not afraid to do the right thing," her mother, Melba Mejia, said in court. 

"She wanted to report him so he wouldn’t hurt anyone else. Even though it cost her life, she got her final wish."

Authorities, later revealed that she had been deeply concerned about how Osborne might react, but she refused to stay silent.

However, less than 24 hours after filing the report, Osborne, along with two accomplices, forced their way into the home where Mejia was staying.

What followed was a brutal, premeditated attack that tragically ended her life. 

Danishka Sibaja Mejia


A Targeted Home Invasion 

On the night of April 5, 2024, just one day after Danishka Sibaja Mejia reported her rape to the Knoxville Police Department, Latawyne Osborne broke into the home where she was staying. 

He was with two other men — Marquis Ellis, 21, and Edward Wilson, 32. 

They were all armed and wearing masks when they forced their way into the home shortly after midnight.

Inside the home, Mejia was with a 23-year-old man and his pregnant girlfriend, who was nine months pregnant. 

The attackers quickly took control and forced all three victims into the basement at gunpoint.

Once they went downstairs, Osborne picked out Mejia and separated her from the others.

He then held a gun to her head and forced her to take a dangerous mix of drugs — fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine — while recording some of the disturbing events on his phone.

When Mejia was weakened by the drugs, Osborne demanded that she shoot the man, but she refused and begged them not to hurt anyone. 

Osborne reportedly became very angry, and despite her pleas, he and his accomplices started shooting.

Sadly, Mejia was hit multiple times and died at the scene. 

The other two victims were also shot but survived and were able to call 911 after the attackers ran away.

During the chaos, Osborne was accidentally shot by one of his own men.

When Osborne later went to a nearby hospital for treatment, Knoxville Police homicide detectives identified him as a suspect and arrested him.

At first, Osborne tried to blame his accomplices, but he eventually admitted to taking part in the brutal attack.

Meanwhile, Ellis and Wilson stole Mejia’s car and later set it on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence. 

Despite their efforts, crime scene investigators were able to recover critical forensic evidence, including shell casings, surveillance footage, and drug residue.

Osborne, Ellis, and Wilson were all arrested within days. 

Marquis Ellis, and Edward Wilson





Justice Served: Latawyne Osborne Trial and Sentencing 
  

On May 30, 2025, Latawyne Osborne appeared in court and pleaded guilty to the murder of Danishka Sibaja Mejia.

The plea agreement spared Mejia’s loved ones from a long trial, and it also helped Osborne to avoid the death penalty.

He was sentenced to life in prison without parole for first-degree murder, three counts of attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated sexual battery. 

His defense attorney, Cullen Wojcik, acknowledged the plea deal ensured a swift resolution. 

During the sentencing hearing, Mejia’s family gave emotional statements about how kind and brave she was, and how much her death has affected them. 

Mejia, a competitive dancer and volleyball player from Costa Rica, was remembered in court as a selfless and fearless young woman. 

Her grandmother described her as "a gentle soul who always rooted for the underdog."  

The judge spoke about the brutal and planned nature of Osborne’s actions, saying that forcing Mejia to take deadly drugs before shooting her showed a total lack of respect for human life.

Osborne showed no visible reaction as the sentence was handed down, as reported by PEOPLE 

Meanwhile, his accomplices, Marquis Ellis and Edward Wilson, still face separate trials for their roles in the home invasion and murder. 

After the criminal investigation, Osborne’s mother, Angela Greenberg, was charged with tampering with evidence related to the crime.

Mejia’s father, Tom Dolias, reacted to the sentencing with bittersweet relief, saying, "He tried to silence her, but he made her louder."

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