On August 11, 2023, 18-year-old Brooklyn Sims was fatally shot at the Home Depot on Davis Highway in Escambia County, Florida, where she was working as a contract employee. The shooter was identified as Keith Agee, the 20-year-old father of her 2-year-old daughter, Kacey. Agee entered the store, confronted Sims in an aisle, and shot her seven times, resulting in her death at the scene.
Agee was arrested shortly after the incident outside Mellow Mushroom on Bayou Boulevard, following a call he made to the police. During his trial, it was revealed through text messages between Agee and his mother, Sheila Agee, that the killing was premeditated. Sheila Agee is also charged with first-degree premeditated murder for her alleged role in coordinating the killing.
Agee took the stand during his trial, claiming he did not initially intend to kill Sims but became enraged after she turned her back and walked away from him during a confrontation about an STD he believed she had given him. However, the state presented evidence showing that Sims did not have an STD, contradicting Agee's claim. The judge described the case as a "textbook definition of premeditated murder" and noted the irony that Agee's anger was misplaced.
Following the trial, Agee was found guilty of first-degree premeditated murder and received a mandatory life sentence without parole. He expressed regret and sorrow for his actions, apologizing to Sims' family and acknowledging the pain he had caused.
Sims' family, particularly her mother Cornelia Sims, have been deeply affected by her death. Cornelia Sims is now raising Agee and Sims' daughter, Kacey, and has spoken about the loss and the impact on their family. The community also came together to honor Brooklyn Sims' life with a balloon release at Davis Park in Citronelle, Alabama, remembering her as a loving mother and person.
Sheila Agee remains in Escambia County Jail awaiting her trial, which is expected to resume in February. The case has highlighted the involvement of both Keith and Sheila Agee in the premeditated murder, with text messages serving as key evidence in the investigation and trial.
