telbo rackins murder

Black Women respond to news of White Georgia Woman Arrested in Fatal Shooting of Black Boyfriend

By Marsh (Edi) Baptise

Burke County, GA – Hannah Cobb, a 25-year-old Georgia woman, has been arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of her boyfriend, Telvin "Telbo Rackins" Osborne. The tragic incident, which occurred in Osborne's home on February 23, has ignited heated discussions online, not only about the circumstances of his death but also about his controversial past remarks about Black women.

According to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, Cobb, who is the mother of two of Osborne’s children, was taken into custody after an investigation determined that the shooting was not an accident. Authorities reported that both Cobb and Osborne had been drinking prior to the altercation, which escalated into violence before a gun was discharged, fatally wounding Osborne. Cobb called the police immediately after the shooting and has since been cooperating with law enforcement.

Following news of his death, many on social media were quick to resurface Osborne’s old tweets, which contained disparaging remarks about Black women. The tweets, which spanned years, included rhetoric that denigrated Black women while praising non-Black women, particularly White women. These revelations added another layer to the public’s reaction to his murder.

Unlike past instances where Black women have been at the forefront of social justice efforts, demanding accountability for Black men harmed, the reaction this time was markedly different. Many Black women, who have long felt unappreciated and maligned by men with Osborne’s views, did not rally behind his case. Instead, they extended their condolences to his family while distancing themselves from the situation.

Under posts about Osborne’s murder, rather than calls for justice, Black women shared updates on their own lives, seemingly unbothered by his tragic passing. One user posted about closing on her first home, while another asked others in the comments what they were having for lunch. The tone was not one of celebration over his death but rather an indication that Black women no longer feel obligated to fight for men who openly disrespected them in life.

This shift in response underscores a growing sentiment among Black women, who have become increasingly vocal about withdrawing their support from individuals and movements that do not value them in return. While some social media users expressed sympathy for Osborne’s loved ones, many saw his past comments as a reflection of a deeper societal issue—Black men who seek validation from non-Black women while belittling their own.

Cobb, who is currently in custody, faces charges of involuntary manslaughter, though some, including Osborne’s family, are questioning whether the charge is too lenient. His brother, Roderick Williams, has publicly expressed doubts about the official account of the incident and has suggested that more should be done to hold Cobb accountable. Meanwhile, the investigation remains ongoing.

As this case progresses, the conversation surrounding it continues to highlight the evolving dynamics of race, gender, and accountability within the Black community. While the legal system will determine Cobb’s fate, the response from Black women on social media has already made one thing clear—gone are the days when their support is given without reciprocity.