Shirley Timmons, a 70-year-old grandmother from Senecaville, Ohio, tragically lost her life on January 6, 2017, during a shooting at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Shirley and her husband, Steve Timmons, had flown to Fort Lauderdale to join their family for a vacation. While they were in the baggage claim area of Terminal 2, a gunman opened fire, killing Shirley and injuring Steve.
The sudden and violent nature of her death left her family and community in shock and mourning.
The shooter, Esteban Santiago, was a 26-year-old Iraq war veteran who had a history of mental health issues. He was arrested at the scene and later charged with multiple counts, including causing death through the use of a firearm and committing an act of violence at an international airport. Santiago had traveled from Alaska to Fort Lauderdale with a checked firearm, which he retrieved from his luggage before carrying out the attack. His actions resulted in the deaths of five people, including Shirley Timmons, and injuries to six others.
Following the incident, Santiago underwent a series of mental health evaluations. In May 2018, he pleaded guilty to all charges in exchange for a life sentence without the possibility of parole, thus avoiding the death penalty. The court proceedings revealed that Santiago had been suffering from schizophrenia and had experienced hallucinations and delusions leading up to the attack. Despite his mental health struggles, the court determined that he was competent to stand trial and accept the plea deal.
The Timmons family, along with the families of other victims, faced a long and painful journey of healing and seeking justice. They participated in the legal process, attending court hearings and providing victim impact statements. The tragic loss of Shirley Timmons highlighted the devastating impact of gun violence and the importance of addressing mental health issues within the community. Her memory continues to be honored by her loved ones, who remember her as a vibrant and loving individual.
