On March 12, 2024, three women were killed in Lawtey, Florida: Quinqune Cat Robinson, 49; her daughter Danesha Sims, 27; and her daughter Winshay Roddey, 25. The violence began around 2 a.m. when an 11-year-old girl, Robinson’s granddaughter, called 911 to report a domestic incident; the girl witnessed the shooting and was hit by bullet shrapnel, later treated for metallic fragments removed from her shoulder.

Authorities charged 46-year-old Johnnie Bernard Brown, Robinson’s longtime partner and the stepfather of Sims and Roddey, with three counts of second-degree murder and one count of attempted murder for the child’s injuries. Investigators say Brown told them he shot after the two daughters allegedly came at him with knives, but scene evidence included a kitchen knife held defensively in Sims’ hand while she hid behind a chair, another knife at Robinson’s feet, and a locked bedroom door with bullet holes. Deputies found Brown in the yard with several cuts before he was taken for treatment and later arrested.

The community described the killings as profoundly shocking. Funeral services for the three women were held March 23, 2024, and the 11-year-old is receiving social worker and community support while officials seek a family member to assume custody. If anyone knew the victims or has information that could help, please share what is known.