A mother tragically shot and killed in Sheffield had been planning to take her young son to the Arsenal victory parade in London this weekend, according to her cousin and friend. Shanice Brookes, 30, was fatally shot near the One Four One bar on West Street in the early hours of bank holiday Monday. Police have described her as an innocent bystander.
Heartbreaking Tribute
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Ms Brookes' cousin Tyler-Jay Reid and friend K-cee Cooper-Foster shared a moving tribute. Ms Reid said: 'She was so selfless, she is 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 revealed she had been with Ms Brookes just hours before the shooting, as the victim was out celebrating a birthday. She added: 'She has been just an innocent person who has just been in the wrong place at the wrong time. It could happen to anyone. Anyone's daughter, anyone's friend, anyone's family, and I would not want anyone to go through what we are going through right now.'
Fundraiser for Funeral
The cousin and friend have established a GoFundMe page to raise funds for Ms Brookes' funeral, with any remaining money set aside for her 10-year-old son. In a statement on the fundraiser, they wrote: 'Shan deserves the most beautiful send off after being taken from us far too soon. Shanice had the biggest heart, the most infectious humour, and a beautiful soul that touched so many people. She lit up every room she walked into and was loved deeply by everyone lucky enough to know her.'
Charges and Investigation
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, has been charged with 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 to appear at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on Friday. A 30-year-old man previously arrested on suspicion of murder has been released and is no longer a suspect.
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles said: 'Shanice was an entirely innocent bystander who should have been able to enjoy a night out in our city without the fear that she would not 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.'
