A Florida judge has declared a mistrial in a high-profile murder case after an unusual twist involving a “disruptive juror.” The case centers on Shelia Agee, accused of helping her son kill the mother of his child at a Home Depot in Pensacola last year.
The drama unfolded during jury deliberations when Judge Coleman Robinson decided the trial couldn’t continue because of one juror’s behavior. The juror in question, Sallie Sue Smith, raised eyebrows after she was caught doing crossword puzzles—not once, but twice—during the trial.
Judge Robinson explained that the juror hadn’t shown the seriousness required for such a case. “A particular juror has not treated this case during the evidence with the seriousness that they should have, and that has apparently continued during deliberations,” he said.
The trouble reportedly began when Smith was first spotted with a crossword puzzle during witness testimony. Despite being warned, she was later found working on another puzzle during deliberations.
Smith defended herself, telling reporters the puzzles helped her concentrate. “That’s just how I focus,” she said. “I had no idea it was a problem, and when they told me to stop, I did.”
But her actions didn’t sit well with the other jurors. Some even expressed concerns about their safety in the jury room. Judge Robinson brought in each juror individually to assess the situation, ultimately deciding that the jury couldn’t move forward.
The case against Agee, 51, is a grim one. She is accused of helping her 20-year-old son, Keith Agee, plan and carry out the murder of 18-year-old Brooklyn Sims. Sims was the mother of Keith’s child and also Shelia’s co-worker. According to investigators, text messages between the mother and son allegedly revealed their plan to track down and kill Sims.
Brooklyn Sims was tragically shot and killed on August 11, 2023, at the Pensacola Home Depot where she worked. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has shared chilling details of the text messages, which they say prove Shelia’s involvement. “The murder itself is unbelievable, but to know the mother knew about it and helped coordinate it is incomprehensible,” said Sheriff Chip Simmons.
The mistrial means prosecutors will have to retry the case, with a new jury set to hear the evidence when the trial resumes on February 5.
Judge Robinson expressed hope that the next jury would take the process seriously. “Hopefully, they’ll follow common sense, the law, and treat their fellow jurors with decency. That way, we can reach a fair and just verdict for everyone involved,” he said.
For now, the search for justice continues, and the case remains a heartbreaking reminder of the senseless violence that tore apart multiple families.
