A Florida man has been convicted of first-degree murder in the shooting death of his child’s mother, after believing that the 18-year old woman gave him an STD.
Keith Agee, 20, was sentenced to life in prison for the premeditated murder of Brooklyn Sims. He was found not guilty on a charge of aggravated battery related to injuries incurred by two other individuals at the scene.
Sims was fatally shot by Agee while working at a Home Depot in Pensacola, Florida on August 11th.
Keith was arrested on the same day of the shooting and his mother Sheila Agee, 50, was arrested in Washington County, Alabama. Sheila was charged with murder days after the incident for allegedly helping Keith plan the crime.
Sheila worked with Sims at the Home Depot and texted Keith the address of the store on the day of the shooting.
“As long as you don’t shoot me,” Shelia allegedly wrote in a text message exchange with her son released by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
“The murder itself is unbelievable, but to know the mother knew about it and helped coordinate it is incomprehensible,” Sheriff Chip W. Simmons of Escambia County said.
Keith told authorities his motivation behind the shooting was because he was 100% sure Sims had given him an STD. However, after the verdict in Keith’s trial was read, the state provided evidence that proved Sims didn’t have an STD.
“I know in the grand scheme of things it doesn’t matter, but we just wanted to give Miss Sims a little bit of dignity,” Assistant State Attorney Bridgette Jensen said in court.
Sim’s mother stated in court, “I don’t hate Keith, but I can’t ever forgive him. I’m raising their daughter. That day, Casey lost her mother, father, and grandmother.”
Sims’ friend Tiyanna Thomas reflected on the young woman’s death and the impact it has had on her.
“Every morning when I wake up, Brooklyn crosses my mind, and I cry because she didn’t deserve what happened to her,” Thomas said.
Sheila is still awaiting trial on charges of first-degree murder. She has pleaded not guilty.
