Trial set for man accused of murdering bystander

A man accused of murdering an "innocent bystander" in a street shooting in Sheffield will go on trial next year, a court has heard.

Jemele Rhone, 30, appeared at the city's crown court earlier, charged with the murder of 30-year-old Shanice Brookes on 25 May.

Rhone's co-defendant Deiryen Dyce, 32, of Ellesmere Road North, Sheffield, was 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.

Neither of the two defendants was asked to enter a plea and both were remanded in custody, with a provisional trial date set for 4 January 2027.

Rhone, of Outram Road, Sheffield, appeared via videolink to prison and was also charged with possession of a handgun and possession of criminal property, namely £10,000.

When the defendants were dealt with at magistrates' court last week, prosecutors described the fatal city centre incident as an "alleged street shooting" and said Ms Brookes was an "entirely innocent bystander".

Ms Brookes, the mother of a 10-year-old boy, had 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".

Additional reporting by PA Media.

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