In a tragic and senseless act of violence, five-year-old Brite Shalom Acoy was killed on Friday, April 25, 2025, in Greenville, South Carolina. The young girl, who was described by friends as always happy and living up to her bright name, was inside an apartment on Fleetwood Drive with her aunt and twin brother when gunfire erupted outside. She was struck by at least one bullet and was rushed to Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after 6:00 p.m.
Her death was ruled a homicide.
The shooting, which also left her twin brother and an 18-year-old wounded, was reportedly the result of a shootout between two groups at the Belle Meade Apartments. In the wake of the tragedy, the Greenville County Sheriff's Office launched an intensive investigation that led to the arrest of 31-year-old Shawnteza La Shay Sherman. Sherman was charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder, and criminal conspiracy in connection with Brite's death. At the time of the shooting, Sherman was already facing unrelated weapons and drug charges. She is being held without bond at the Greenville County Detention Center.
During the course of the investigation into the shooting, deputies uncovered what they described as 'deplorable conditions' inside the apartment where Brite and five other children were staying with their aunt, Stanice Joy Acoy. Investigators reported finding only one bed for all the children and a loaded firearm within their reach. Deputies also discovered a significant quantity of crack cocaine and marijuana. Consequently, Stanice Joy Acoy was arrested on charges of unlawful conduct toward a child, unlawful possession of a firearm, and drug trafficking. She was also denied bond and is being held at the Greenville County Detention Center. The heartbreaking death of Brite Shalom Acoy prompted the Greenville County Sheriff to create a Violent Crime Task Force to target violent offenders and illegal firearms in the area.
