Article By EEW Magazine News Editors // Crime

Sometimes the Internet can bring out the worst in people and at other times, it brings out the absolute best.

After news broke that the brother of Olympic gymnast Simone Biles was jailed on six counts of murder connected to a triple-murder in Ohio at a 2018 New Year’s Eve party, the best is clearly on display as thousands shower her with love and support.

When the 22-year-old gold medalist tweeted, “Eating my feelings,” and added, “don’t talk to me” that didn’t stop her fans from talking to her and sending words of encouragement her way.

“You are amazing and a role model and icon,” said a woman named Ada. “Shame on the media for dragging you into this. May God grant you and your family peace during this time.”

Another fan named Courtney stated, “Sending you love, Simone. You aren’t responsible for what your brother did or his actions. Sorry your name is being thrown out into this.”

An official with the Georgia Liberty County Sheriff’s Office said Biles’ sibling, 24-year-old Tevin Biles-Thomas, who resides in Cleveland, was arrested Thursday and taken to jail at approximately 3:30 p.m. He is charged with murder, voluntary manslaughter, felonious assault and perjury, said Cleveland police in a statement obtained by EEW Magazine Online.

Officials say shots were fired at a party at 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2018 following an altercation among guests and an uninvited group. Multiple attendees were wounded by gunfire and three died: 19-year-old Delvante Johnson, 21-year-old Toshaun Bank sand 23-year-old Devaughn Gibson.

At the time of writing, bond has not been set for Biles-Thomas, who is a U.S. Army soldier. Biles-Thomas, who holds the rank of specialist, is a cannon crewmember assigned to 3rd Infantry Division, said base spokesman Christopher Fletcher. He joined the Army in 2014 and was deployed to Korea in 2018 as part of a rotational deployment.

The arrest comes the same month that Biles made history at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships when she became the first woman to complete a complicated maneuver known as a triple-double during the floor exercise competition. She is among more than 100 gymnasts who say they were abused by former Gymnastics USA team doctor Larry Nassar, who is serving a prison sentence of up to 175 years after pleading guilty to criminal sexual conduct.

Biles and her brother were among several siblings raised by different relatives after their biological mother, who struggled with substance abuse, relinquished custody when they were young children.

“We love you,” said an online follower named Louis. “You have the support of millions of people. Well, the good ones, at least! You and your brother are two separate people and must be treated as such. Process your completely natural feelings your own way. You are a heroine, Simone. You make America proud.”

There are thousands more affirming messages like these aimed at her online.

Reuters contributed to this report.