In the early morning hours of February 7, 2025, the life of 21-year-old Autumn Diane Brookae Shanks was tragically cut short in her Ridgeland, Mississippi apartment. Police responded to a call at the Pinebrook Apartment Complex on Pine Knoll Drive shortly before 2:00 a.m. regarding a gunshot wound. Upon their arrival, they encountered 23-year-old Dannquarious Deuntea Byest.
Inside the apartment, officers discovered Autumn Shanks deceased in her bedroom from a gunshot wound to the head.
Byest was taken into custody at the scene. He has since been charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bond at the Madison County Detention Center.
Autumn's father, Orlando Shanks, described his daughter as a 'vibrant person loved by everyone' and expressed his profound grief, stating he was unaware of the extent of the danger she was in. He revealed that his daughter had been in a 'toxic relationship' with Byest. Friends and family remembered Autumn as a beautiful soul, both inside and out, who was shy yet ambitious and kind. To honor her memory, a balloon release was held at Terry High School, where loved ones gathered to share memories and release pink and blue balloons.
