Shanice Brookes, a 30-year-old mother from Sheffield, was fatally shot outside a bar in the early hours of bank holiday Monday. She had been looking forward to taking her young son to Arsenal's victory parade this weekend, according to her family.
Heartbreaking Tribute from Family
Ms Brookes' cousin Tyler-Jay Reid and friend K-cee Cooper-Foster have paid tribute to the young mother. Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Ms Reid said: "She's so selfless, she's not even a massive football fan, but she was putting it aside for her son, and she was going to take him to the Emirates. She was so excited about going and he was so excited to go down and something like that has now been ripped apart from him."
Ms Reid added that she had been with Ms Brookes just hours before the shooting, as the mother was celebrating a birthday. "She's been just an innocent person who's just been in the wrong place at the wrong time. It could happen to anyone," she said.
Fundraiser for Funeral and Son's Future
The cousin and friend have launched a GoFundMe page to cover funeral costs and set aside remaining funds for Ms Brookes' 10-year-old son. They wrote: "Shan deserves the most beautiful send off after being taken from us far too soon." They described her as having "the biggest heart, the most infectious humour, and a beautiful soul that touched so many people."
Police Investigation and Charges
South Yorkshire Police confirmed that Jemele Rhone, 30, of Outram Road, Sheffield, has been charged with murder, possession of a firearm, and possession of criminal property. Deiryen Dyce, 32, of Ellesmere Road North, Sheffield, faces charges of assisting an offender, possession of ammunition, possession of drugs with intent to supply, possession of drugs, and possession of criminal property. Both have been remanded in custody and are due in court on Friday.
A 30-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder has been released and is no longer a suspect.
Police Statement
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles said: "Shanice was an entirely innocent bystander who should've been able to enjoy a night out in our city without the fear that she wouldn't come home safely. Shanice's family, including her young son, now face the harrowing reality that they will never get to see her again. They are having to grieve the unimaginable loss of their beloved daughter, friend and mother in the most tragic of circumstances. Our thoughts remain with them."
