This is the first picture of a young mother shot dead in what is believed to be a gangland hit gone wrong outside a bar in Sheffield while she was on a night out partying.
Digital creator and photographer Shanice Brookes, 30, was killed in the early hours of Monday morning.
Ms Brookes is believed to have been sitting close to the intended target of the gangsters when she was hit by shots fired in the incident at around 2.45am.
South Yorkshire Police have said she was an innocent bystander simply ‘enjoying a night out’ when she was fatally struck as they released a CCTV image of a white Audi they believe was part of the drive-by shooting.
Police rushed to the scene outside One Four One on West Street, in the centre of the city and found Ms Brookes suffering serious injuries.
Shanice, who has also worked as a child and youth worker for the past five years was treated by officers and paramedics – but sadly later died in hospital.
A relative told the Daily Mail: ‘Shanice was an innocent woman – she leaves behind a little boy. We are devastated.’
South Yorkshire Police issued a statement on Wednesday and said she was an innocent bystander simply ‘enjoying a night out’ when she was fatally struck and her family have paid tribute to her as a ‘one of a kind’ and a ‘beautiful soul’.
Digital creator and photographer Shanice Brookes, 30, was killed in the early hours of Monday morning
Shanice, who has also worked as a child and youth worker for the past five years was treated by officers and paramedics – but sadly later died in hospital.
Police have released CCTV footage of a white Audi on West Street in Sheffield city centre that they believe was involved in the shooting
The family statement continued: ‘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.
‘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.’
Shanice was described by her family as having the ‘biggest heart’ and ‘deeply loved’
Friends took to social media to commiserate amidst their loss, with one stating: ‘my life will never be the same’.
Another friend wrote: ‘Madness, my heart hurts’.
One neighbour told the Daily Mail: ‘She was beautiful. She always helped take my shopping in. She had a beautiful son and was just about to graduate.’
Indeed, her LinkedIn shows she had been studying photography, videography and graphic design for a three-year bachelor’s degree at The Sheffield College since September 2023 and was due to finish this month.
A 30-year-old man and a woman, 32, were arrested on Tuesday in Stockport along with another 30-year-old man who was taken into custody in Sheffield following the incident.
The mother-of-one was described by police as an ‘innocent bystander’ who was fatally shot while on a night out
West Street is a hub for Sheffield’s nightlife and is home to a number of popular pubs, bars and nightclubs
All three of the suspects are being held as officers from South Yorkshire Police continue their investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the shooting has been urged to come forward.
A large police presence remained at the scene on West Street, home to many of the city’s most popular bars, throughout Tuesday afternoon.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles said: ‘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.
‘If you saw what happened on Monday morning, or have information about who was involved, please do not stay silent. Shanice’s family, including her young son, are now facing the heartbreaking reality that they will never see her again. The reckless actions of others have taken her life away from her and the sad reality is that any of us, or our loved ones, could have been the victim of this senseless incident.
‘We are carrying out a complex and comprehensive investigation to secure justice for Shanice, but we need the public to come forward and tell us what they saw and what they know, so we can ensure no other family goes through the devastation Shanice’s family are experiencing right now.’
The force released a photo from CCTV footage at the scene showing a white Audi they believe was involved in the killing.
They are appealing for anyone with information to come forward by calling 101 and quoting incident number 135 of 25 May 2026.
