Shamone A. Duncan, a 50-year-old law enforcement officer from the Chicago area, was tragically killed in a shooting while vacationing in the Turks and Caicos Islands late Saturday night.
Duncan, who had served for 21 years with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, was on a family trip to celebrate her sister’s birthday when the violence struck.
Duncan was on the rooftop of Aziza Restaurant & Lounge in Grace Bay around 10 p.m. when assailants opened fire. She was enjoying a moment with her family, but the joyous occasion quickly turned to tragedy. According to family members, Duncan’s sudden and senseless death has left them devastated.
“She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and a loving sister,” her family said in a statement shared with the Miami Herald. “This was meant to be a joyful occasion, but instead, we are grieving her loss. Shamone was an incredible person who had dedicated so much of her life to helping others. This is a deep and painful blow for all who knew her.”
Shamone Duncan had earned a reputation as a dedicated public servant. Having worked with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office for over two decades, Duncan was a committed law enforcement officer.
Outside of her professional life, she was an active member of her community and a beloved figure among her friends and family.
The fatal shooting, which also claimed the life of a local resident, Dario Stubbs, is still under investigation by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
Police believe neither Duncan nor Stubbs were the intended targets, as the shooter appears to have been positioned across the street. Duncan’s family, along with the community, is struggling to understand why she was taken from them in such a violent manner.
Shamone’s tragic death has sent shockwaves through both her family and the law enforcement community. In the wake of her passing, her colleagues and loved ones have paid tribute to her legacy of service, kindness, and dedication.
“We have lost a true hero,” one of her colleagues said. “Shamone was a pillar in our department, and her commitment to justice and helping others will never be forgotten. She was more than just a coworker; she was family.”
Duncan’s death also marks the latest in a troubling surge of gun violence in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Authorities are still working to understand the motive behind the shooting.
The island chain, while a popular tourist destination, has struggled with rising crime rates, including a record 48 murders in 2024.
In the face of such senseless violence, Duncan’s family is calling for justice and reflection on the safety of tourists in the region.
They have urged officials to bring those responsible for her death to justice while also remembering the life of a woman who dedicated so much to the service of others.
