A man has been found guilty of brutally shooting his ex-girlfriend multiple times in front of their infant child, leading to his potential life imprisonment. Shawn Bolden Jr was convicted by a jury on charges of malice and felony murder, aggravated assault, and weapon possession during the commission of a crime in connection to the tragic death of Deanna Ellison, aged 29, in 2021.
The incident stemmed from an altercation where Bolden physically assaulted Ellison on Mother’s Day 2020, prompting her decision to end their relationship as she was three months pregnant at the time. Despite their breakup, they agreed to co-parent their child once born. However, the situation took a dark turn on May 6, 2021, when neighbors reported gunshots and witnessed a man fleeing from Ellison’s residence in Port Wentworth.
Upon arriving at the scene, emergency responders were forced to forcibly enter the premises and discovered a heartbreaking sight: Ellison’s lifeless body drenched in blood, with their infant child left traumatized nearby. The court was shown distressing footage from police body cameras, described as one of the most challenging pieces of evidence ever presented to a jury by the prosecution. The Medical Examiner confirmed that Deanna had succumbed to 11 gunshot wounds.
Shortly after the murder, an anonymous 911 call revealed that Bolden had confessed to the killing. A statewide alert was issued, leading to Bolden’s apprehension more than 100 miles away on I-16 after a high-speed chase spanning two counties. Detectives noted Bolden’s deceitful behavior during the investigation, showing no regard for his son or the victim.
District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones emphasized the heinous nature of the crime, stating that Bolden callously shot Deanna multiple times in front of their infant just days before what would have been her first Mother’s Day. Bolden, in addition to murder charges, was also found guilty of aggravated assault and weapon possession during a crime. Sentencing is set for January 9, with the prosecution seeking life imprisonment without parole.
Deanna’s obituary portrayed her as a vibrant individual with a compassionate spirit, emphasizing her positive impact on those around her. Her tragic loss has left a deep void in the community, reflecting on the devastating consequences of domestic violence.