Accused Murderer Absent from Court Due to Mental Health
A man charged with the murder of Shanice Brookes, an "innocent bystander" fatally shot outside a bar, did not appear in court because of his mental health condition.
Shanice Brookes, aged 30 and a mother of one, died during a night out at One Four One in Sheffield city centre in the early hours of Monday.
Jemele Rhone, 30, from Outram Road, Sheffield, was scheduled to appear at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on charges of her murder but was not present. Co-defendant Deiryen Dyce, 32, of Ellesmere Road North, Sheffield, attended court in person, charged with assisting an offender, and only confirmed her name and address.
Both cases were committed to Sheffield Crown Court for a hearing set for 1 June, with both defendants remanded in custody.
Rhone's solicitor, Rovena Zogaj, explained that Rhone was not physically brought to court due to his mental health. Zogaj requested that Rhone remain in custody cells, a request approved by the district judge.
South Yorkshire Police stated that Rhone faces additional charges including possession of a firearm and possession of criminal property. Dyce is also charged with possession of ammunition, possession of drugs with intent to supply, and possession of criminal property.
'Exceptional student'
South Yorkshire Police described Shanice Brookes, a Sheffield resident, as "an innocent bystander" who was killed during a bank holiday night out.
She was nearing completion of her degree in creative practice at Sheffield College and worked for the local charity Zest.
Angela Foulkes, principal of Sheffield College, expressed condolences:
"On behalf of our college community, I want to express our deepest condolences to Shanice's family and friends.
"The loss of Shanice in such shocking circumstances is devastating to all who knew her and our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with them at this time.
"Shanice was a vibrant and positive person whose enthusiasm for life and learning was genuinely inspiring."
Foulkes described Shanice as "an exceptional student and talented visual creative" with "a promising future."
"Shanice brought warmth, humour and energy into many situations, often lifting those around her with her positive outlook," Foulkes said.
"She was a valued friend who worked well with her peers and was always willing to support others and help find solutions whenever challenges arose.
"Shanice approached her studies with curiosity, determination and a constant desire to learn more and deepen her understanding."
'Beautiful soul'
Shanice also volunteered as a photographer for Zest, a community organisation supporting adults and children with complex mental health needs, mobility challenges, and long-term health conditions.
The charity described her as "a truly beautiful soul who touched so many lives within our Zest family and wider community."
A spokesperson said Shanice had "generously volunteered her time" while studying and had "captured special moments for us through her photography."
"Shanice became a friend to so many of us," the organisation said.
"She brought warmth, kindness, and energy wherever she went.
"She loved to dance, was always up for a laugh and had a caring spirit that people were naturally drawn to."
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