During her first date with a man she met on the BLK dating app, 22-year-old Tayla Smith from Texas found herself the victim of a sudden and brutal attack. The assailant, 24-year-old Kordel Roshon Stewart, whom she had connected with on the app designed for young Black professionals, reportedly assaulted her after what initially seemed like a pleasant evening. The incident unfolded at Smith’s Houston residence, where they had dinner, watched a movie, and became intimate.
The horrifying turn of events occurred when, during a moment of intimacy, Stewart unexpectedly covered Smith’s mouth, brandished a knife, and slashed her throat, leaving her with a significant wound. Smith, who bravely shared images of the stitches on her neck, has since become an advocate for dating app safety. It was later revealed that Stewart had a prior murder charge, which had been dismissed in April 2023 due to an “unavailable and uncooperative eyewitness.”
Stewart had informed Smith that he worked as a cook at Sonic Drive-In. Smith, expressing shock over the incident, emphasized that her experience with BLK was her first and last venture into the realm of dating apps, as she never anticipated such a traumatic event unfolding.
Match Group, the owner of BLK, released a statement condemning the allegations against Stewart and assuring full cooperation with law enforcement. Stewart was arrested on September 21 on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and is currently held on a $125,000 bond. His criminal history includes a 2020 arrest on a murder charge related to a fatal shooting in Texas City and previous jail time served for a weapons charge.
Smith recounted that while there were a few “red flags” during their interactions on the app, in person, Stewart exhibited forceful behavior, including aggressive kissing and revealing personal challenges, such as being unable to see his children. During the harrowing attack, Smith fought back, screamed, and ultimately managed to escape, alerting neighbors who promptly called the police. She required 12 stitches for her neck wound.
In response to such incidents, BLK advises caution in online interactions, urging users to inform friends and family about their plans when meeting someone in person, as outlined on their dating safety tips webpage. The incident highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and safety measures within the realm of online dating, especially in cases where individuals with concerning backgrounds may slip through the screening processes of dating apps.
Tayla Smith’s traumatic experience serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers that can lurk behind the seemingly innocuous façade of a dating app. The aftermath of the attack has prompted discussions about improving safety protocols within these platforms and fostering a greater understanding of the risks associated with meeting strangers in the digital age.
