CHICAGO – The family of Cook County Sheriff’s Deputy Shamone Duncan, 50, who tragically lost her life to a stray bullet while vacationing in Turks and Caicos, has launched a fundraiser to help cover her funeral expenses.
Duncan was celebrating her sister’s 40th birthday on January 18 at the Aziza Restaurant & Lounge in Grace Bay when she was struck during a shooting incident that also left one man dead and another injured.
Duncan, a 20-year veteran of Cook County’s Department of Corrections, was known for her dedication to justice and service. She had been assigned to Cermak Health Services at Cook County Jail. Her family described her as “a beacon of strength, compassion, and leadership,” adding that she was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.
The GoFundMe campaign states, “She touched countless lives in her community and beyond.” It aims to raise $9,000 to assist with funeral arrangements, with a service planned for February 19.
Duncan’s son, Shamon Payton, shared that during the shooting, while other patrons at the restaurant took cover, his mother instinctively stood up, likely driven by her law enforcement training. “She had this strong conviction for helping people. That was my mom’s thing,” Payton said.
Duncan was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, a charitable organisation that reflected her deep commitment to faith, service, and community.
The Cook County Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences, stating, “Our hearts are broken for the family of Deputy Shamone Duncan. We are in contact with her family to provide any support they need during this difficult time.”
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting.