Sheffield Murder Accused Jemele Rhone Fails to Appear in Court for Shanice Brookes Killing

Jemele Rhone, 30, charged with the murder of Shanice Brookes, failed to appear at Sheffield Magistrates' Court. Rhone's solicitor, Rovena Zogaj, stated his absence was due to concerns regarding his mental health, an application approved by the district judge to keep him in cells.

Ms Brookes, a 30-year-old mother, died after being shot outside the One Four One bar in Sheffield city centre on Monday. South Yorkshire Police have described her as an "innocent bystander" during a night out.

Co-defendant Deiryen Dyce, 32, appeared in court, confirming her details while facing a charge of assisting an offender. Both Rhone and Dyce have been remanded in custody, with their cases transferred to Sheffield Crown Court for a hearing scheduled for 1 June.

Rhone also faces charges of possession of a firearm and possession of criminal property. Dyce is charged with possession of ammunition, possession of drugs with intent to supply, and possession of criminal property.

Shanice Brookes was nearing completion of her creative practice degree at Sheffield College and volunteered for the local charity, Zest. Angela Foulkes, principal of Sheffield College, expressed profound condolences, highlighting Ms Brookes' "vibrant and positive person whose enthusiasm for life and learning was genuinely inspiring."

Zest, the community organisation, remembered Ms Brookes as "a truly beautiful soul" who had "generously volunteered her time" and captured "special moments for us through her photography," praising her warmth, kindness, and energy.