Illinois deputy killed by stray bullet while on vacation in Turks and Caicos
An Illinois deputy was killed in a shooting while vacationing in Turks and Caicos with her family over the weekend, authorities say.
Shamone Duncan, 50, was in Turks and Caicos with friends and family to celebrate her sister's birthday, Eshawn Spencer, one of Duncan's sisters, shared in an interview with NBC Chicago.
Duncan and her siblings were having dinner together when they heard what they thought was fireworks, NBC Chicago reported.
She was also one of three people injured by an unidentified shooter near a popular restaurant around 10 p.m. local time on Saturday, according to a media release from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. Duncan and 30-year-old Dario Stubbs both died as a result of their injuries, police said. A third person, identified as a 29-year-old man, is currently receiving medical treatment.
"I wish to take this opportunity to extend my deepest condolences to the relatives and friends of the deceased. The RT&CIPF will continue to provide victim support resources to those devastated by these incidents," the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force wrote. "We condemn this violence and will remain resolute in our pursuit of the person(s) responsible for this despicable act."
RTCIPF said there was no evidence to suggest that either Duncan, Stubbs or the third person were targeted. The investigation is ongoing.
'The heart of our family:' Family mourns loss, pays tribute
Family, friends and acquaintances have penned tributes and shared memories on social media since Duncan's death. Duncan's family was waiting for autopsy to be conducted before they could bring her remains back home.
"Shamone was the heart of our family—a devoted mother, grandmother, and sister who loved fiercely and gave selflessly. She was our rock, and her loss is beyond words," Duncan's family said in a statement. "Her dedication to her community was unmatched, but above all, she was our guiding light. Her legacy of love and service will live on in the lives she touched."
Duncan's family has asked for privacy as they mourn the loss.
The Cook County Sheriff's Office, where Duncan worked for two decades, also released a statement following news of her death.
"Our hearts are broken for the family of Deputy Shamone Duncan who was killed on Jan. 18 while on vacation. She was a 20-year veteran of the Cook County Department of Corrections and was currently assigned to Cermak Health Services," the sheriff's office said in a statement. "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."
This story was updated to correct a grammatical error and to add video.