Coroner expresses condolences to family of mum shot dead outside bar in Sheffield
An inquest has been opened and adjourned into the death of a mother-of-one who was shot outside a bar in Sheffield.
Shanice Brookes, 30, was shot near the One Four One bar on West Street, in the city centre, shortly before 2.45am on May 25.
Detectives have said “she was simply an innocent bystander”.
On Monday, Sheffield assistant coroner Rebecca Connell held a brief inquest opening hearing at the city’s Medico-Legal Centre.
She told three members of Ms Brookes’s family who attended:
“I can’t imagine how you’re all feeling at this moment.”
Ms Connell said:
“I’m extremely sorry for your loss. I’m sorry you’re here today.”
Opening the inquest, the coroner said Ms Brookes “had been at the One Four One bar on West Street when an incident occurred that resulted in her receiving fatal injuries”.
She told the family that the inquest proceedings were being adjourned while the criminal investigation into the death is completed.
Ms Connell said a decision will be taken at a later date on whether a full inquest hearing is necessary in this case.
Ms Brookes, who left a 10-year-old boy, worked as a volunteer for the Sheffield community charity Zest and was about to finish a degree at Sheffield College.
In a statement issued after her death, her family said:
“She could light up every room she walked into 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.”
In another statement, Zest said Ms Brookes was “a truly beautiful soul who touched so many lives within our Zest family and wider community”.
Jemele Rhone, of Outram Road, Sheffield, is due to go on trial next year charged with murdering Ms Brookes.
Rhone is also charged with possession of a handgun and possession of criminal property, namely £10,000.
His co-accused, Deiryen Dyce, 32, of Ellesmere Road North, Sheffield, is charged with assisting an offender, possession of ammunition, possession of heroin, cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply, and possession of criminal property, namely £2,000.