FAMU Women's Basketball Player Stabbed, Killed

The late Shannon Washington

Tallahassee, FL - The Tallahassee Police Department responded to a report of a stabbing at 3025 South Adams Street this morning at approximately 2:03 AM. Officers located victim Shannon Washington in the apartment, with a knife wound to her neck. The victim was initially treated by officers on-scene, until EMS arrived.

She was then transported to the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. The victim was a FAMU student-athlete, who was a member of the women’s basketball team. TPD has been in contact with university officials.

TPD Victim Advocates have been working with the FAMU Athletic Department, and the victim’s teammates.

Suspect Starquineshia Palmer was still at the apartment upon the arrival of officers.

The investigation determined she did not live in the apartment, but traveled to Tallahassee from Central Florida to visit the victim for the weekend. The victim and Palmer began to argue in the early morning hours, resulting in Palmer stabbing the victim with a kitchen knife.

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MUG: Starquineshia Palmer
  (Courtesy Leon County Sheriff's Office)

NOTE: The late Ms. Washington was a heralded student-athlete that was expected to become the cornerstone of coach LeDawn Gibson's 2011/12 Lady Rattlers basketball squad. The Illinois Valley Community College standout was a two-time junior college All-American and two-time 1st team all-conference player. The 5'11" guard averaged 19 points, nine rebounds, five steals and five assists per game. The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tenn., honored her for her play last season.

The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame recognizes the country's top players on all levels, from pro to high school. In making the team, Washington's jersey will hang in the ring of honor at the museum in Tennessee, where she is among other greats such as Candace Parker (Univ. of Tennessee), Sue Byrd (Univ. of Connecticut) and Britney Griner (Baylor). The jersey will hang until May 2012.

Ms. Washington was a native of Sarasota, Florida, where she was a graduate of Riverview High School.

Starquineshia Palmer, age 20, has been charged with first degree murder by the Leon County Sheriff Office. 

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