PENSACOLA, Fla. (Court TV) — A Florida woman has been convicted of principal first-degree premeditated murder for encouraging her son to kill the mother of his child.
Following the verdict, Sheila Agee was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Sheila Agee testifies in her own defense during her trial on Aug. 6, 2025. (Court TV)
Sheila’s son, Keith Agee, fatally shot Brooklyn Sims on August 11, 2023. Keith was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison in December 2023. At trial, Keith confessed to shooting Sims because he contracted a sexually transmitted disease. Keith confronted Sims at the Home Depot, where she worked with Sheila.
MORE | FL v. Keith Agee: STD Revenge Killing Trial
Investigators uncovered text messages between Keith and Sheila, in which Sheila “called him a ‘mf b***h’ if he did not kill Sims,” according to an affidavit. Sheila even told Keith to kill Sims at their workplace so his child didn’t have to witness it.
Sheila first stood trial in November 2024; however, it ended in a mistrial “after jurors said they were concerned for their physical safety while deliberating,” reported Pensacola News Journal. While declaring the mistrial, the judge also criticized the actions of one juror who was caught playing a crossword puzzle during the trial and deliberations.
The jury deliberated close to three hours before notifying the court that they had reached a verdict.
Before sentencing, Sim’s mother, Cornelia Sims, defined the definition of a mother and said that her former friend had “let her son and granddaughter down.” She told the judge that Brooklyn’s daughter, Caycee, will turn four years old in October and is “thriving and doing well.”
Shelia then addressed and told the judge that she agreed with Brooklyn’s mother, and she “failed” a lot of people, including Brooklyn, her granddaughter, and her son, Keith.
Due to the state law of the charge, Sheila was immediately sentenced to serve life in prison without the possibility of parole. She has been in custody for over 700 days since her apprehension.
DAILY TRIAL HIGHLIGHTS
DAY 2 – 8/6/25
- VIDEO: FL v. Sheila Agee – Day 2 | Revenge Mom Murder Trial
- Defense Witness #1: Investigator Lionil Martinez, Major Crimes, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
- Discussed text messages between Shelia and Keith from July 2023.
- TOPICS INCLUDED:
- Coordination for picking up and caring for a child named Caycee.
- Tensions in the relationship and distrust expressed by Keith regarding Shelia’s interactions with others.
- Mention of potential health issues (likely gonorrhea) and a discussion on respect within their relationship.
- Emotional exchanges indicating conflict between personal feelings and parental responsibilities.
- MAJOR POINTS:
- The messages illustrate familial tensions and parenting issues.
- Keith expressed dissatisfaction and suspicion concerning Shelia’s actions and relations with others.
- Shelia provided support for both her child and Brooklyn, despite the tensions.
- TOPICS INCLUDED:
- Discussed text messages between Shelia and Keith from July 2023.
- Defense Witness #2: Keith Agee, Defendant’s Son
- Acknowledged being previously convicted of murder.
- Stated that he knows his mother well and does not believe she ever wanted to harm Brooklyn.
- Asserted that his mother loves Brooklyn and that he has his own mind.
- Emphatically denied that Shelia encouraged him to harm Brooklyn.
- Defense Witness #3: Thelma Rivers, Shelia Agee’s Mother
- Described her relationship as grandmother to Shelia’s children, noting Keith’s living arrangements and history of behavioral issues.
- Keith was identified as having anger problems, with some violent tendencies since childhood.
- Shelia had a nurturing relationship with Brooklyn, treating her like a daughter and offering financial support.
- Confirmed that Shelia took care of Caycee regularly on weekends and had a generally positive assessment of her treatment of Brooklyn.
- Defense Witness #4: Jack Daniel Schaffer, Shelia Agee’s Son
- Identified as Shelia’s son, mentioned living near his grandmother and his military background.
- His upbringing involved disciplinary methods from his mother that were justified based on his behavior.
- There was a halted line of questioning regarding the relevance of his upbringing to the case, with a focus on discipline rather than violence.
- Defense Witness #5 – Shelia Agee, Defendant
- Confirmed understanding of her rights and waiving her right to testify.
- Lives behind her grandmother and is a frequent visitor, often seeing her mom with Caycee on weekends.
- Cared deeply for Brooklyn and communicated with her often.
- Stated she would never hurt Brooklyn and referred to her as “my baby.”
- Met Brooklyn when she was 15, describing tensions between Brooklyn and Keith, including him denying paternity at times.
- Provided emotional and financial support to Brooklyn and helped with childcare.
- Experienced ongoing conflicts with Keith, who accused her of caring more for Brooklyn than him, which led to tensions.
- Discussed issues surrounding STDs, mentioning Keith’s anger and text exchanges regarding the situation.
- Needed to navigate conversations with Keith carefully to de-escalate tensions.
- Initially did not take Keith’s threats seriously, believing he would not follow through.
- Recounted how conversations escalated, leading to Keith’s actions against Brooklyn, expressing regret and heartbreak.
- While working at Home Depot, wanted to confront Keith if he came there.
- Always tried to keep Brooklyn out of conflicts with Keith and focused on their child, Caycee.
- Expressed deep sorrow over Brooklyn’s death, maintaining a wish to have traded places with her if possible.
- Admitted not truly believing that Keith would harm Brooklyn.
- Acknowledged deleting messages out of anger and frustration after the incident.
- Admitted to calling Keith names during past quarrels, suggesting a pattern of heated exchanges.
- Expressed mixed feelings, noting love for her son but a close friendship with Brooklyn.
- Discussed thoughts about Keith’s mental state and violent tendencies, indicating a chaotic relationship dynamic.
- Clarified intent to stop Keith, insisting she never meant to assist him in harming Brooklyn.
- Emphasized the lasting impact of Brooklyn on her life, affirming emotional pain from the situation.
- Defense rested its case-in-chief.
- Bridgette Jensen delivered the State’s Closing Argument
- WATCH: State’s Closing: Sheila Agee Set Brooklyn Sims Up to Be Murdered
- The defendant may not have pulled the trigger, but her words incited violence, implying he is a “MF bitch” if he doesn’t kill Brooklyn.
- She changed her son’s mission from shooting his girlfriend elsewhere to Pensacola.
- Her inactions aided in Brooklyn’s killing; she knew her son was coming and did nothing to intervene.
- She appeared happy despite giving Brooklyn her phone, showing a lack of concern.
- Within 20 seconds of his arrival announcement, her son shot Brooklyn, indicating she anticipated the situation.
- Text messages revealed she did not dissuade him, acknowledging his intentions—“don’t tell Nanny” and “don’t shoot her in my car.”
- The evidence shows premeditated involvement, with text exchanges two hours before the murder.
- The possible charges include first-degree premeditated murder.
- Highlighted the need for the jury to recognize Shelia’s guilt based on the evidence presented.
- David Ackerman delivered the Defense Closing Argument
- WATCH: Defense Closing: Sheila’s No Hero, but Saying Stupid Things Isn’t a Crime
- Acknowledged Keith Agee committed first-degree murder, but Shelia should not be seen as a villain.
- Stressed her personal losses and emotional turmoil regarding the situation.
- Asserted Shelia was trying to manage a chaotic situation and was stressed, not supporting the violence.
- Emphasized the need to interpret text messages in context and questioned their implication of intent to harm.
- Argued there was no motive or planning to harm Brooklyn, indicating a lack of evidence for premeditated complicity.
- Concluded the state did not meet the burden of proof required for conviction.
- Bridgette Jensen delivered the State’s Rebuttal
- Countered the defense by asserting Shelia is not a victim and had an active role in the events.
- Emphasized she never told her son to refrain from violence, highlighting her complicity.
- Noted surveillance evidence shows her proximity to Brooklyn during critical moments, suggesting coordination.
- Asserted the state is not required to prove her physical presence at the crime scene for accountability as a principal.
- Concluded that Shelia Agee directed Keith’s actions, making her integral to Brooklyn’s death.
- After deliberating for just under 2 hours and 45 minutes, an Escambia County jury convicted 52-year-old Shelia Agee of first-degree principal premeditated murder for the death of 18-year-old Brooklyn Sims. Sims was murdered by Agee’s son, Keith Agee, while at work at a Pensacola, Florida, Home Depot in October 2023.
- Agee was sentenced to a life sentence without the possibility of parole. She has been in custody for 722 days.
- Before sentencing, Brooklyn’s mother, Cornelia Sims, defined the definition of a mother and said that her former friend had “let her son and granddaughter down.” She told the judge that Brooklyn’s daughter, Caycee, will turn four years old in October and is “thriving and doing well.”
- Shelia Agee addressed the court before sentencing. She told the judge that she agreed with Brooklyn’s mother, and she “fell” a lot of people, including Brooklyn, her granddaughter, and her son, Keith Agee.
DAY 1 – 8/5/25
- VIDEO: FL v. Sheila Agee – Day 1 | Revenge Mom Murder Trial
- During opening statements, ADA Alvin Meyers said that Sheila Agee, 52, encouraged her son, 18-year-old Keith Agee, to murder his ex-girlfriend, 18-year-old Brooklyn Sims, after learning he contracted a sexually transmitted disease. The text messages show that Sheila taunted her son by using profanity and other strong language to allegedly convince Keith to either kill Sims once she returned home to Alabama from work, and warned him not to kill Sims in Shelia’s work vehicle.
- David Ackerman, who represents Shelia Agee, says the prosecution has it all wrong and that his client was trying to diffuse a “blustering” teenager who was “all talk” but never acted out of his frustration. Ackerman told the jury that the state has no evidence to show that Shelia was complicit in the murder and the text messages they have are how Shelia and Keith communicated regularly.
- Prosecutors rest their case-in-chief after one day of testimony. They called 16 witnesses, a majority of them from Keith Agee’s trial.
- State’s Witness #1 – Matt Pike, Custodian of Records, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
- Responsible for maintaining records of 911 calls.
- Testified that several 911 calls were made around 1:21 p.m. and 1:22 p.m.
- Presented State’s Exhibit 1, which contained two 911 calls.
- 911 Call Highlights Played for the Jury:
- Caller indicates seeing only one person hurt and confirms they are on the way.
- Clarifying questions were asked about shots fired and entrances at the scene.
- Second 911 call confirmed location as Home Depot and identified the victim as a young female shot by a male.
- Caller knew the victim, identified as Brooklyn, and noted she had been shot multiple times.
- Description of the suspect as a light African American male wearing a light blue button-down shirt.
- State’s Witness #2 – Deputy Sam Shelly, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
- Has 19 years of experience and is part of the Traffic Division.
- Responded to the Home Depot shooting around 1:20 p.m.
- Initial call reported as an active shooter, later updated to a shooting incident.
- Observed people hiding and trying to escape the situation upon arrival.
- Found a young female victim who was already deceased on aisle 52.
- Maintained the scene by asking others to exit the aisle.
- State’s Witness #3 – Cortlynn Penn, Inventory Specialist / Brooklyn Sims’ Coworker
- Employed at Home Depot in Alabama, working in Aisle 52 counting inventory.
- Described the moment when a male approached Brooklyn, stating, “you gave me something,” before pulling a gun from his waist.
- Witness observed the assailant and victim standing face to face when shots were fired.
- Escaped to the back of the store and into a bathroom, assisted by an unknown woman.
- Could identify Sheila due to her being a supervisor but didn’t notice anything unusual about Brooklyn prior to the incident.
- Confirmed Brooklyn was acting normally and appeared unafraid prior to the shooting.
- State’s Witness #4 – Tiyanna Thomas, Inventory Specialist / Brooklyn Sims’ Coworker
- Worked at Home Depot in Pensacola, FL on August 11th; was on the lighting aisle.
- Saw Keith tap Brooklyn on the shoulder and initially thought he was a customer.
- Heard gunshots; witnessed Brooklyn and Keith facing each other when Keith shot her, causing her to fall.
- Noted that other people were running as well.
- Described Sheila, her supervisor, as acting “a little strange” and not instructing staff properly.
- Brooklyn was always happy and described as smiling; Sheila often transported staff to work in a black van.
- State’s Witness #5 – Brittany Bishop, Crime Scene Technician, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
- Arrived at the crime scene at 2:00 p.m.; confirmed Brooklyn Sims was still on aisle 52.
- Presented State’s Exhibits 2 through 29, consisting of crime scene photos documenting various aspects of the scene, including:
- Exterior and entrance of Home Depot, aisle numerics, and images of Sims lying face down.
- Collected 7 shell casings, 5 projectiles, and bullet fragments; detailed where specific projectiles were located relative to Sims.
- Conducted collection of evidence, including her fingerprints and buccal swabs.
- State’s Witness #6 – Hannah Sturgon, 911 Dispatch, Pensacola Police Department, received a call from Home Depot at 1:45 p.m.
- State’s Witness #7 – Officer Anthony Odum, Pensacola Police Department
- Responded to the AMC Movie Theater as a follow-up to the shooting incident.
- Encountered a male (Keith Agee) who was half-dressed, had his hands up, and was putting items on the ground.
- Noted that Keith’s pants were wet.
- State’s Witness #8 – James Parson, K-9 Officer, Pensacola Police Department
- Responded to Home Depot; parking lot busy with customers.
- No suspect located; circulated to find the suspect.
- Found black handgun after a call about a gun on Davis Highway.
- Vehicle found in a medical facility parking lot, over a mile from Home Depot.
- State’s Witness #9 – Jennifer Hall, Crime Scene Technician, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
- Found a 9mm Glock firearm and one 9mm bullet.
- Photographed items (State’s Exhibits 51-57).
- Collected and turned in the firearm (State’s Exhibit 58).
- Photographed gray t-shirt and cell phone at IMAX (State’s Exhibits 59-63).
- Documented Keith Agee’s Nissan (State’s Exhibits 64-67).
- Swabbed pistol and cell phone; photographed items at the lab (State’s Exhibits 76-85).
- Collected buccal swabs from Keith Agee (State’s Exhibit 45).
- State’s Witness #10 – Eric Haynes, Computer Forensics Examiner, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
- Explained cell phone data extraction process.
- Produced extraction report for Keith Agee’s phone (State’s Exhibit 33).
- Compiled deleted texts between Brooklyn and the phone (State’s Exhibits 43 A-D).
- State’s Witness #11 – Christine Kirkland, Senior Electronics Criminalist, FDLE
- Analyzed 600 separate phones.
- Provided historical phone records and cell tower information (State’s Exhibits 86 A-F).
- State’s Witness #12 – Elizabeth Richey, Firearm Analyst, FDLE
- Discussed firearm testing processes and cartridge components.
- Tested 9mm Luger Glock; confirmed casing match (State’s Exhibit 91).
- State’s Witness #13 – Jennifer Wilkerson, DNA Analyst, FDLE
- Background in DNA analysis; has testified over 200 times.
- Collected buccal swabs from Keith Agee.
- Swabs from a firearm matched Keith Agee’s DNA, with a probability of 700 billion times likely (State’s Exhibit 92).
- State’s Witness #14 – Carl Loylon, Home Depot Employee
- Home Depot uses a company for inventory and has surveillance video.
- On August 11, heard pops and yelling; associates reported an active shooter.
- Described the chaotic scene.
- Law enforcement requested surveillance footage (State’s Exhibit 87 and other exhibits with relevant screenshots).
- State’s Witness #15 – Investigator Lionil Martinez, Major Crimes, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
- Responded to a crime scene with a deceased black female (Brooklyn Sims).
- Keith Agee was taken into custody; vehicle located at Select Specialty Care (State’s Exhibit 88).
- Made contact with Keith Agee and Sheila Agee; downloaded their phones.
- Found deleted text messages starting at 8:40 AM, including conversations indicating intent to harm (State’s Exhibit 34).
- State’s Witness #16 – Dr. Deanna Olesky, Chief Medical Examiner, Escambia County Medical Examiner’s Office
- Conducted autopsy for Brooklyn Sims on August 14, 2023.
- Brooklyn had multiple gunshot wounds; determined the cause of death to be homicide.
- Provided autopsy photos illustrating 29 related gunshot wounds (State’s Exhibits 93-102).
- Indicated signs of close-range firing on some wounds.
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