A Cook County sheriff’s deputy was fatally shot in Turks and Caicos Saturday while celebrating her sister’s 40th birthday at a popular restaurant, according to island authorities.
Shamone A. Duncan, 50, was sitting on the rooftop of Aziza Restaurant & Lounge in Grace Bay around 10 p.m. when a stray bullet hit her, family said. She was one of two people killed in the shooting on Providenciales, the main island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago in the West Indies.
“I was just telling everyone how this was my best birthday ever,” said Duncan’s sister Sharaye Baugh. “We were literally taking pictures for 10 to 15 minutes on the rooftop. It was just an amazing time.”
Shortly after taking photos, the group heard what they initially thought were fireworks, Baugh said. As soon as they realized the sound was gunfire, people began to take cover. Duncan stood up and was hit, her sister said.
Officers and medical personnel were immediately deployed to the scene, according to the Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Force. Duncan’s family members, however, said it took paramedics 30 to 40 minutes to arrive at the restaurant.
Relatives also said officials waited more than hour after the shooting to speak with them.
“Service was unacceptable,” said Eshawn Spencer, Duncan’s sister, who she said she believes her sister could have been saved if things were handled differently.
Island police did not respond to specific questions about the shooting from the Tribune on Sunday. Instead, authorities provided a statement from acting police Commissioner Rodney Adams, who appealed for any witness accounts, video recordings or other information connected to the incident.
“We condemn this violence and will remain resolute in our pursuit of the person(s) responsible for this despicable act,” Adams said in the statement.
Duncan’s sisters described the deputy as a “mama bear” who always stepped in to handle problems, plan events and care for others. She was the in-charge sister, the one who told everyone what time to get the airport and what restaurants to go to, among other advice.
The Chicago native also was a passionate Bears fan and was known for going to games dressed from head to toe — jerseys, socks, hats and even shoes — in team regalia.
“Shamone loved, and she was loved,” Spencer said.
Insurance executive Dario Stubbs, who lived on the island, was also killed in the shooting, according to the royal police force. A 29-year-old male was injured in the shooting, as well, and was undergoing medical treatment.
None of the victims appear to be the intended target, authorities said.
Duncan joined the Cook County sheriff’s office about 20 years ago and was most recently assigned to Cermak Health Services, according to a statement released by Sheriff Tom Dart’s office. The statement said the department “was heartbroken” for Duncan’s family.
“We are in contact with her family to provide any support they need during this difficult time and are supporting her colleagues as they process this terrible news,” the department said in a statement.
Duncan joined the sheriff’s office on a whim after college, when she walked by a table advertising the sheriff’s office and signed up, her family said.
“She loved the job,” Spencer said. “She loved trying to help individuals who have made some bad decisions in life and put them on the right path.”
Her sense of service did not end with the Cook County sheriff’s office. Duncan was also an active member of her local Order of the Eastern Star chapter for nearly 10 years. She particularly enjoyed the group’s annual back-to-school charity event, her sister said.
“She was a planner, so if she was preparing for an event, she started two months in advance,” Spencer said.
For the back-to-school event, that planning translated into making sure all the kids got the supplies they need.
“Just to see the kids come out and see the smiles on their faces — she enjoyed that,” Spencer said.
In addition to her sisters, Duncan is survived by her son, Shamon Payton, and a granddaughter, Ava Payton.
