Post by Scumhunter on Jan 4, 2016 11:04:10 GMT -5
(Pictured: Above: Left: Simon Shanks (murdered in 2006) Right: Sketch of two possible suspects. Photo Credits: panachereport.com, America's Most Wanted)
Ex-Cardinals Linebacker Murdered
Simon Shanks played linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals in 1995. He led special teams for tackles in his lone season on the field. Friends and family say that Shanks was a loving husband and family man. However, police say that on the evening of January 5, 2006, this local hero would be callously murdered by three unknown men.
Phoenix cops say that Shanks and his friend, Lajuris Estelle, were working out in Shanks' garage. They were soon approached by three men in a white Ford Expedition who asked for directions. Shanks and Estelle came out of the garage to speak with the men when the three men rushed out of the SUV.
Police say that the driver of the car brandished a handgun and with the help of his two passengers moved Shanks and Estelle back into the garage. According to cops, the driver began to pistol-whip Shanks and his friend while one of the men watched and the third man ran into the house.
A Family Ruined, Assailants Unknown
Cops say that the two assailants kept Shanks and Estelle in the garage. The third man had gone after Shanks' wife, Yolanda, and told her to stay in the bedroom with her newborn baby while the other two Shanks children slept.
Police say that soon after that, shots were fired. Police speculate that the driver of the SUV who wielded the handgun was the man responsible for firing the rounds that killed Simon Shanks and wounded Lajuris Estelle in the neck.
Cops say that luckily Yolanda Shanks was able to escape out of a bathroom window and run to a friend's house with her newborn baby in tow. Police say that the three men most likely left soon after the shots were fired.
Currently, Phoenix police are seeking the public's help in identifying the men responsible for the murder of Simon Shanks. They describe the unknown assailants as all being Hispanic, around 5'7", and weighing roughly 150lbs.
Thoughts? The story of Shanks' murder was aired on the February 4th, 2006 episode of America's Most Wanted. I realize the 10-year anniversary of this tragic case is tomorrow. I am assuming the killers were never caught since this involved the murder of an ex-NFL player and it would have made the news had they been. But if anyone has any sort of updates on this case, please let us know.
Admin Note #1: Based on crime location, our advice for anyone with tips on this case is to contact Arizona's Silent Witness program: www.silentwitness.org/
Admin Note #2: If you have any news-related updates on this case, please contact us here: amwfans.com/thread/1662/website-contact-form
web.archive.org/web/20060214163047/http://www.amw.com/fugitives/case.cfm?id=37267
panachereport.com/channels/hip%20hop%20gallery/Unsolved.htm