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Philly social media influencer 'Meatball' pleads guilty in deal with prosecutors

Officials say she encouraged looters to ransack stores following a dismissal of murder charges against Mark Dial

Dayjia Blackwell
Dayjia Blackwell.
Philadelphia Police Department

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia social media influencer Dayjia Blackwell, known as "Meatball" online, pleaded guilty to two charges Thursday in a deal with prosecutors.

In September, Blackwell was arrested, along with dozens of others, for encouraging looters to ransack stores live on social media following a court decision to dismiss murder charges against Mark Dial, the former Philadelphia police officer who fatally shot Eddie Irizarry. Charges were reinstated about a month later.


Philadelphia District Attorney's Office said, in addition to the livestream, Blackwell committed burglary.

Blackwell pleaded guilty to riot with the intent to commit a felony, and criminal use of communication facility. She was sentenced to five years probation, plus 150 hours of community service. She was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.

The rest of the charges, including burglary, criminal trespassing, conspiracy, criminal mischief, receiving stolen property and disorderly conduct were all dropped by prosecutors.

Officials say she encouraged looters to ransack stores following a dismissal of murder charges against Mark Dial