The tranquil turquoise waters and pristine beaches of the Turks and Caicos Islands became the backdrop for a tragic incident over a weekend in January 2025. Shamone Duncan, a 50-year-old Cook County, Illinois Sheriff’s Deputy and loving grandmother, was celebrating her sister’s birthday on the idyllic islands when her life was tragically cut short by a stray bullet. The celebratory atmosphere of a rooftop party at the Aziza Restaurant on Grace Bay Road was shattered by gunfire, leaving Duncan and another individual, Dario Stubbs, fatally wounded. A third victim, a 29-year-old male, survived the shooting but required medical treatment. The senseless act of violence left the community reeling and raised questions about the safety and security of the popular tourist destination.
Duncan, a dedicated public servant with two decades of experience in the Cook County Department of Corrections, was described by her family and colleagues as a pillar of strength, compassion, and leadership. Her son, Shamon Payton, recounted the harrowing moments of the shooting, describing the chaos and panic as people scrambled for cover amidst the sudden eruption of gunfire. Bystanders rushed to Duncan’s aid, but tragically, their efforts were in vain. The vibrant and joyous occasion intended to celebrate a milestone birthday turned into a scene of unspeakable grief and loss.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force launched an immediate investigation into the shooting. Acting Commissioner Rodney Adams addressed the public, stating that preliminary findings did not suggest that Duncan, Stubbs, or the surviving victim were the intended targets of the attack. This statement offered little solace to the grieving families and the wider community, as it highlighted the seemingly random nature of the violence. As of Tuesday afternoon following the incident, no arrests had been made, and the investigation remained ongoing.
The tragic loss of Deputy Duncan reverberated through the Cook County Sheriff’s Department, where she had recently been reassigned to Cermak Health Services. The department issued a heartfelt statement expressing their profound sorrow and acknowledging Duncan’s unwavering dedication to her profession and community. They described her as a shining example of excellence, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her 21 years of service were a testament to her commitment to justice and her passion for protecting others. The department’s tribute captured the essence of a woman who dedicated her life to serving her community, leaving behind a legacy of service and compassion.
Beyond her professional life, Duncan was a devout member of the Eastern Star, a fraternal organization dedicated to charitable work and community service. This further underscored her deep-rooted commitment to helping others and making a positive impact on the lives of those around her. The outpouring of grief and condolences from colleagues, friends, and community members painted a portrait of a woman who was deeply loved and respected. Her vibrant spirit and unwavering dedication to her family and community were evident in the numerous tributes that poured in following her untimely death.
The tragic incident served as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of violence. What began as a joyous celebration of a family milestone ended in unimaginable heartbreak. As the investigation continued, the community grappled with the loss of a dedicated public servant and a beloved family member. The ripple effects of this senseless act of violence extended far beyond the immediate victims, impacting the families, the local community, and the wider tourism industry of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The search for answers and justice continued as the community mourned the loss of Shamone Duncan, a life dedicated to service and tragically cut short in a moment of unforeseen violence.
