A mistrial was declared in the mother’s murder trial at the Escambia County Home Depot because of questions from the jury

ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. – The judge declared a mistrial Wednesday in the murder trial for the mother accused in the Escambia County Home Depot killing.

Sheila Agee’s trail began on Monday. Closing arguments were concluded on Wednesday morning before deliberations began.

One of the jurors told the judge that she didn’t feel physically safe because of racial issues. Another juror cited health concerns, telling the court that the arguments in the deliberation room could raise his blood pressure and affect his pacemaker.

However, both jurors said their concerns did not affect their verdict.

The judge moved the jury to a larger room, where deliberations were paused.

The defense argued that Agee could not give the jury a fair verdict under these conditions.

Another issue that arose: A juror did a crossword puzzle two days in a row during the trial.

The judge said this was not appropriate behavior and apologized to the jurors who had been inconvenienced.

“That same juror who was deliberating had another crossword puzzle,” the judge said Wednesday. “That same juror now perceived another juror’s comments as a physical threat to her safety.”

Sheila Agee, 51, is charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Brooklyn Sims.

Her new trial is scheduled for February 5.

Sheila Agee’s son – 20-year-old Keith Agee – was previously sentenced to life in prison without parole for first-degree premeditated assault.

Keith Agee shot Sims – the mother of his 2-year-old daughter – as she worked at the Davis Highway Home Depot in August 2023. Prosecutors say text messages between Keith and Sheila show Sheila helped coordinate the murder.

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.