On March 12, 2024, a tragic incident occurred in Lawtey, Florida, resulting in the deaths of three women, including Danesha Sims, who was 27 years old. The incident began early in the morning when an 11-year-old girl, who was the granddaughter of one of the victims, called 911 at 2 a.m. to report a domestic incident. The girl, who witnessed the shooting, was herself hit by bullet shrapnel and later received medical treatment for several metallic fragments removed from her shoulder.
The victims were identified as Quinqune “Cat” Robinson, 49, the mother and grandmother of the 11-year-old caller, and her two adult daughters, Danesha Sims, 27, and Winshay Roddey, 25. Johnnie Bernard Brown, 46, who was Robinson’s longtime partner and the stepfather of Sims and Roddey, has been charged with three counts of second-degree murder for their deaths. Brown also faces a charge of attempted murder for the injuries sustained by the 11-year-old girl.
According to the investigation, Brown claimed that he and Robinson were arguing, and when Sims and Roddey got involved, they allegedly came at him with knives. He stated that he grabbed his gun and started shooting at the three women. However, evidence found at the scene contradicts this account; investigators discovered a kitchen knife in Sims’ hand, which she was holding in a defensive manner as she hid behind a chair in the bedroom. Another knife was found at Robinson’s feet. The bedroom door was locked and closed when the shots were fired, as indicated by bullet holes in the wall and door.
The 11-year-old girl provided crucial testimony, stating that Brown said “they should have stayed out of it” as he was hurting her grandmother and aunts. Deputies found Brown walking in the front yard of the property with several cuts on his body and provided him with first aid before taking him to the hospital. After his release, he was arrested and charged.
The community of Lawtey was deeply shaken by this incident, which was described by Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith as “like an earthquake” due to its rarity and severity. Funeral services for the three women were held on March 23, 2024, at the Governor Charley E. Johns Conference Center.
The traumatic event has had a significant impact on the 11-year-old girl, who is receiving support from social workers and the community as they try to find a family member to take custody of her. Despite her resilience, the long-term effects of this experience on her life are a concern for the authorities and those around her.
