ORLANDO, FL – A woman who survived a terrifying ordeal in which she was shot multiple times by her estranged boyfriend, who also held their young daughter hostage, is bravely sharing her story in hopes of helping others. Sheila Smith met Deshawn Dunmier in a Los Angeles shoe store, where he initially appeared to be the ideal partner, full of positivity and energy. However, a dark side eventually emerged, culminating in a near-fatal encounter.
Smith and Dunmier had separated but were co-parenting their three-year-old daughter. During a routine visit in July to pick up her child, Smith found herself in a life-threatening situation. Dunmier, overcome with rage, shot her eight times, leaving her fighting for her life. Despite her injuries, Smith’s will to survive was unyielding.
“I knew I wasn’t going to die,” Smith said, recalling her determination to escape and seek help. She managed to flee the scene and a passerby called 911, setting off a chain of events that would end in a dramatic standoff with law enforcement.
While Smith was in surgery, Dunmier barricaded himself inside with their daughter. For six tense hours, SWAT negotiators attempted to coax him into surrendering, but he used the child as a shield. The situation reached a critical point when the SWAT team was forced to act decisively, shooting Dunmier to save the girl.
The little girl emerged from the ordeal physically unharmed, though the emotional scars remain. Smith, meanwhile, has endured multiple surgeries to recover from her injuries. She credits her survival to her faith and is now focused on raising her daughter, offering a message of hope and caution to others who may find themselves in similar situations.
Smith urges women to trust their instincts, emphasizing that if something feels wrong, it likely is. Her ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers in relationships and the importance of seeking help when needed.
Despite the physical and emotional scars, Smith and her daughter are making a remarkable recovery. Resources for those in need are available on the WFTV website, providing a lifeline for individuals in crisis.