Autumn Diane Brookae Shanks, a 21-year-old woman from Ridgeland, Mississippi, was found dead in her bedroom early Friday morning, February 7, 2025, at the Pinebrook Apartments on Pine Knoll Drive.
Officers with the Ridgeland Police Department responded to a call just before 2 a.m. and discovered Shanks with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. The scene was immediately secured, and the investigation was launched into what authorities quickly identified as a homicide.
Present at the scene was 23-year-old Dannquarious Deuntea Byest, who was taken into custody without incident. According to Ridgeland Police Chief Brian Myers, Byest was charged with first-degree murder and is currently being held without bond at the Madison County Detention Center. Investigators have not released further details about the events leading up to the shooting, but the case has been described as domestic in nature.
Family members of Autumn Shanks have spoken out in the wake of the tragedy, revealing that she had been in what they described as a “toxic relationship” with the accused. Her father, Orlando Shanks, shared his heartbreak in interviews, expressing disbelief and sorrow over the loss of his daughter. He described Autumn as a vibrant and loving person who was cherished by everyone who knew her.
Autumn’s death has sent shockwaves through the Ridgeland community. Friends and neighbors have begun organizing vigils and memorials in her honor, leaving flowers and messages outside the apartment complex. Many have taken to social media to share memories and express outrage over the senseless loss of a young life filled with promise.
The case has reignited conversations about intimate partner violence and the importance of recognizing warning signs in abusive relationships. Advocacy groups in Mississippi are urging individuals to seek help if they or someone they know may be in danger. The incident has also prompted calls for increased resources and education around domestic violence prevention.
As the legal process unfolds, the Ridgeland Police Department continues to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The community remains united in grief, determined to honor Autumn’s memory and ensure that her story serves as a catalyst for change and awareness.
