Shanice Brookes, who was set to graduate from university, “had the biggest heart,” her family said in a heartbreaking tribute to the much-loved mother of one
This is the mum “with the biggest heart” gunned down while celebrating the Bank Holiday when she was “simply an innocent bystander”.
Shanice Brookes’s family said she “could light up every room she walked in to with her infectious laugh, beautiful soul and magical aura”. The 30-year-old charity worker was fatally shot outside the One Four One bar in Sheffield city centre in the early hours of Bank Holiday Monday and, despite the best efforts of paramedics, she died in hospital.
Police have said Shanice, a mum of one, was “simply an innocent bystander” to an incident outside the bar, following which three people have been arrested. Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles, of South Yorkshire Police, said: “People often say innocent victims were in the wrong place at the wrong time, but Shanice was not in the wrong place at the wrong time – we should all be able to go on nights out and know that we will come home safely.”
Identifying the victim today, police said the tragedy highlights the “devastation gun crimes causes”. It follows a shooting earlier this month in Brixton, south London, which killed another young person. Tributes were paid to Keanu Taylor, 25, after seven shots were reportedly fired at him.
Three people; a 30-year-old man, and woman, 32, from Stockport, and a 30-year-old man from Sheffield, were arrested in connection with Shanice’s death. South Yorkshire Constabulary continues to “work around the clock” to identify anyone else who may heve been involved.
Det Chief Insp Knowles added: “Shanice was a young woman who was in the prime of her life and was simply enjoying a night out in the city centre over the Bank Holiday weekend. People often say innocent victims were in the wrong place at the wrong time, but Shanice was not in the wrong place at the wrong time – we should all be able to go on nights out and know that we will come home safely.
“This incident lays bare the devastation gun crimes causes within families and communities and I want to send a clear message to those who witnessed the incident or have information on those involved.”
Shanice’s family paid tribute to the charity worker, of Sheffield, describing her as having with “the biggest heart and the kind of energy you could never forget”.
They said: “She was a deeply loved daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin, friend and godmother, as well as being an amazing mum to her son, who meant the world to her. To her cousins, she was more like a sister – someone they could always turn to for love, laughter and support.”
The statement added: “Shanice was also due to graduate from university, a reflection of her determination, ambition and the bright future ahead of her.
“She could light up every room she walked in to with her infectious laugh, beautiful soul and magical aura. Shanice made people feel loved, safe and valued simply by being herself. She was truly one of a kind and she will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know and love her.”
