3-Year-Old Killed After Alleged Drunk Driver Took Keys From Sister Who 'Showed No Remorse'

A three-year-old girl, Yasmeen Shaaf, was killed when a car driven by 25-year-old Jazmine Vann crashed into a tree after prosecutors say Vann retrieved keys that police had confiscated and left with her sister.

According to Onondaga County prosecutors, the events began on the night of July 30 when Syracuse police responded to a disturbance at a party. Officers determined Vann was intoxicated, admonished her not to drive and took her car keys. Her 20-year-old sister, Ren-Tasia Broome, told officers she would drive and the keys were left with Broome, prosecutors say.

Prosecutors allege that almost immediately after police left the scene, Vann obtained the keys from Broome, took the driver's seat of a 2022 Kia Sorento and sped off. Vann was accompanied by her girlfriend, identified in court records as Alejandro, and Alejandro's children. Authorities say the vehicle exceeded 70 mph in a 30 mph zone, failed to stop at a sign and struck a tree.

The crash inflicted catastrophic head and bodily trauma on Yasmeen, who died at the scene. Her 7-year-old brother was injured and hospitalized. Court records and prosecutors contend the children in the backseat were not restrained in car seats or seat belts.

Charges and Court Proceedings

Ren-Tasia Broome has been charged with second-degree manslaughter in connection with Yasmeen's death. Prosecutor Frank Pelosi told the court he reviewed hundreds of Broome's jail calls and described her as "absolutely unremorseful," saying she has not accepted responsibility.

Jazmine Vann faces an upgraded charge of second-degree murder alleging depraved indifference; a grand jury in August returned the murder indictment after initially charging her with aggravated vehicular homicide. Vann remains held on a $500,000 bond, local reports say.

Alejandro pleaded guilty on Sept. 4 to criminally negligent homicide and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 7. Under the plea agreement, she must continue cooperating with prosecutors and is expected to testify if Vann's case goes to trial.

Additional Details

Local outlets report Broome is being held on either $100,000 cash, a $200,000 bond, or a $300,000 partially secured bond. Prosecutors and the Syracuse Police Department have provided information cited in court records and press statements. Attorneys for the defendants did not respond to requests for comment.

Following the crash, Yasmeen's father, Mark Shaaf, and his fiancée established a GoFundMe to help cover expenses and support their son, who is recovering from injuries sustained in the crash. Their message described Yasmeen as "our beautiful 3-year-old daughter" and asked for assistance as the family copes with the loss.

"Our beautiful 3-year-old daughter, Yasmeen Shaaf, was tragically taken from us in a car accident caused by a drunk driver," the family wrote on the fundraising page.

Note: The account above reflects allegations and charges reported by prosecutors and local media; outcomes may change as court proceedings continue.