Man Charged in South Baltimore Killing Continued to Commit Armed Robberies Until His Arrest

UPDATE (Dec. 17 4:56 p.m.): The group We Back Blue will hold a candlelight vigil at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday outside the Southeastern District on Eastern Avenue.UPDATE (Dec. 17, 2:25 p.m.): Baltimore police are charging two men in connection with the ambush shooting of an officer and a homicide of a man early Thursday.Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said the two men confessed to shooting Officer Keona Holley and to a homicide in the 600 block of Lucia Avenue. Harrison identified the suspects as Elliot Knox, 31, and Travon Shaw, 32. Both are being charged with attempted murder in Holley's shooting and with murder in the killing of Justin Johnson, 38."These were brazen acts of violence and it shows how far we have to go to show people and to make sure that folks understand that this cannot continue. You cannot snuff someone out for something so petty. You cannot think that our police officers should be a target for you," Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said."In this moment, I cannot overstate how angry and disheartened we all are that we continue to have those in our community who are intent on committing violent acts, especially against law enforcement officers. It is unacceptable and we will not tolerate it," Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby said.Police said the suspects ambushed Holley as she sat in her patrol car around 1:35 a.m. Thursday in the 4400 block of Pennington Avenue. Johnson was shot about an hour later.Harrison said "a great deal of" video evidence that included residential security camera video and license plate readers "put the puzzle together" and led the Regional Auto Theft Task Force to find a vehicle linked to the shooting of Holley.Sources told the 11 News I-Team that investigators first found Knox, who confessed and then told them about Shaw's involvement.The commissioner said investigators don't know a motive, but the suspects knew Johnson, who had three children. But the victim may not have known the suspects."While we had extensive interviews, we don't quite have motive. We don't know why they did this. We have absolute confessions that they did it, they were there. We don't have motive as to why," Harrison said.Police wouldn't offer any connection between Johnson and Holley.Watch the police news conference in its entirety:Residents in the area of the homicide told 11 News they remember hearing the gunfire."'Boom, boom, boom.' And, I heard that noise and I thought someone was banging on something. So, I looked out the window," said Diane Carroll, a resident of Lucia Avenue.Harrison said two guns were used and two guns were recovered at a Baltimore County house, one of which is confirmed to have been used in both incidents.Harrison said both suspects have criminal histories involving multiple jurisdictions.The 11 News I-Team looked into the suspects' backgrounds. According to Maryland Judiciary Case Search, Shaw has prior convictions for assault, armed robbery and gang activity. He served some time in prison. Only a minor traffic case was found for Knox.Holley remains in critical condition on life support at Shock Trauma, the commissioner said. She has four children and has been with the Baltimore Police Department since 2019.UPDATE (Dec. 17, 12:53 p.m.): Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh began his news conference Friday by sending best wishes to Holley and her family."Officer Holley is one of many very brave, very brave officers that protect our city, protect our county, day in and day out, year in and year out. Our prayers are with her and her family and all the officers out there who do an amazing job out there protecting us and making sure we can sleep at night, so we're very thankful for that," Harbaugh said.UPDATE (Dec. 17, 10:54 a.m.): Baltimore police will hold a news conference today at 2 p.m. to provide an update into the shooting of Officer Keona Holley.UPDATE (10:17 p.m.): Community leaders held a prayer vigil Thursday night outside of Shock Trauma for Holley. Leaders from many faiths gathered to pray for Holley's family and for her speedy recovery."We are men and women of faith. We believe in a God of miracles. We believe that she can get out of that bed and she will recover and we will all celebrate that. But more than anything, we are going to pray now for the peace of our city," said Bishop Angel Nunez, president of Act Now Baltimore and Multicultural Prayer Movement.UPDATE (5:05 p.m.): A Baltimore police officer shot in an ambush early Thursday remains on full life support as her family pleads for justice.Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison identified the officer shot as Keona Holley, 39, who was hired in December 2019.Dr. Thomas Scalea, physician in chief at Shock Trauma said Holley is in the intensive care unit, her injuries are life-threatening, she is critically ill. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said Holley is a mother and that she volunteered to work overtime Wednesday night in an area that is known for violence."She is a mother, she is a sister, she is a daughter who literally risked her life every day for the city," Scott said. "She was where she was supposed to be doing what she was supposed to do," Harrison said.Harrison said detectives are interviewing several people in connection with the investigation and are processing forensic evidence. Investigators have also recovered a vehicle.Harrison said they do not have information to suggest this was a domestic-related incident."The information that we have right now suggests that it is not domestic, that this was a heinous, violent, cowardly, apparently very targeted act," Harrison said. "There's no way for us to know at this point if she would've known her assailant."Holley's older sister, Lawanda Sykes, said at a Thursday evening news conference: "She took on this job, she took on this responsibility. This has been a life-long goal of my sister to serve the Baltimore City Police Department. My sister dedicated herself to this job -- she went in early, she stayed late, she spent countless hours away from her children to serve the community in the Southern District. I'm going to ask you, if you have an honest, decent, empathetic bone in your body that you speak up and say something. Come out and say something. The person who did this to my sister, you are a coward. You tried to snuff her and take something you can't. She is stronger than you will ever be, and the force behind her is stronger than you will ever be."Sykes stood outside Shock Trauma alongside her mother and Holley's daughters."I ask that you keep her covered, that you pray for her, that you pray for us," Sykes said. "Understand that my sister, she's the yin to my yang, all I've ever known. She's the other part of me, and I refuse to give that up for anybody -- especially a city who does not appreciate her."Gov. Larry Hogan announced the state will match a reward being offered, bringing it to $118,000.Watch the police news conference in its entirety:Officer Holley loved in Curtis Bay communityNeighbors said Holley is loved in her Curtis Bay community. Many people along Pennington Avenue told 11 News they know Holley well and described her as a nice and caring person.Resik Patel, owner of the Soda Pop Shop, which is across the street from where Holley was shot, said she is so much more than a police officer, she is a good friend."I feel so bad," Patel said. "She is a nice police officer. Every time she worked the night duty, she (came) when we close, 'Hey, pop, how you doing?' In the morning duty, she comes around 12 o'clock. She would talk. She was a nice officer and I feel so bad."Holley's neighbors are in disbelief over the news."It's just, it's horrible. I mean, it's really horrible news. She's such a nice girl. I'm speechless," said Rose Smith, a neighbor. "She would have stories about our pets, and she loves our little dog. She comes and goes. Very polite, very nice young lady. I'm amazed. I'm shocked."UPDATE (3:50 p.m.): A $59,000 reward is being offered for tips leading to an arrest and conviction in the ambush shooting of a Baltimore police officer. City police announced Metro Crime Stoppers is offering a $4,000 reward, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is offering a $10,000 reward, the FBI is offering a $10,000 reward, the Baltimore City Fraternal Order of Police is offering a $25,000 reward and the U.S. Marshal Service is offering a $10,000 reward.Tips must be given to Metro Crime Stoppers at 866-7LOCKUP or via its P3 Tips mobile app or its website.The Archdiocese of Baltimore announced clergy will hold a prayer service at Shock Trauma at 7 p.m.ORIGINAL STORY: A Baltimore police officer was shot in what police called an "ambushed-style" shooting in south Baltimore.A news conference is scheduled for 5 p.m. -- Watch on 11 News, WBALTV.com, the WBAL-TV app, and WBAL-TV's Facebook, Twitter and YouTube channels.The shooting happened at approximately 1:35 a.m. Thursday in the 4400 block of Pennington Avenue, according to police. Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison called the shooting a "brazen, cowardly act of violence." The officer was on duty, sitting in her vehicle when someone came up from behind and shot the officer multiple times, Harrison said. Initially, the emergency call came in as a crash, and it was then discovered the officer was shot.The officer appeared to suffer life-threatening gunshot wounds, police said. At last report Thursday morning, the officer underwent multiple surgeries and was in guarded condition at Shock Trauma. "I want to talk about, No. 1, the cowardly, brazen act of someone walking up and just opening fire on a police officer who is doing what we asked that officer to do, to go out and protect and serve. The mayor and I had an opportunity to meet with family who are, like us, obviously angry, confused, in search of answers and have an expectation that we will find who did this and we will hold one or as many people responsible for this as possible," Harrison said.Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott released a statement Thursday morning, saying: "Early this morning, a Baltimore police officer was shot in the line of duty and is in grave condition at the University of Maryland Medical System Shock Trauma Center. My heartfelt prayers go out to the officer's family and fellow officers who selflessly risk their lives to safeguard our neighborhoods and build a better Baltimore. Whoever committed this heinous act is a coward who must be brought to justice for our officer, the officer's family, and our city. I have no doubt that our detectives will find those responsible, but we need anyone with information to come forward and share it with us now. No family should be dealing with this pain, especially during the holidays. As a city, we owe it to this officer to quickly bring those responsible to justice."Gov. Larry Hogan tweeted a statement, saying: "This morning, a Baltimore Police officer was shot in a despicable, ambush-style attack in South Baltimore. We have offered the full resources of the Maryland State Police to assist in the investigation. I ask all Marylanders to keep the officer in your prayers."Anyone with information is asked to call police at 410-396-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 866-7LOCKUP.Baltimore police are getting support from federal law enforcement agencies.The FBI Baltimore Field Office is assisting Baltimore police in the investigation, saying in a tweet, "Our thoughts are with the officer, her family & her colleagues." Anyone with information can call the FBI at 800-CALL-FBI.The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' Baltimore office is also assisted Baltimore police in the investigation.Maryland U.S. Attorney Erek Barron released a statement, saying: "Today's cowardly ambush shooting of a Baltimore Police Department patrol officer in the line of duty is a tragic example of the risks facing law enforcement officers every day in the performance of their duties to keep our communities safe. My thoughts and prayers are with the officer and the officer's family for a swift and full recovery. We will not tolerate this type of senseless violence. Those who perpetrated this attack must be found and prosecuted. I encourage anyone with information to contact the Baltimore Police Department. To the men and women of the Baltimore Police Department and all Maryland law enforcement, please know that all of us at the U.S. Attorney's Office stand with you and thank you for your bravery and devotion to justice."

BALTIMORE —

UPDATE (Dec. 17 4:56 p.m.): The group We Back Blue will hold a candlelight vigil at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday outside the Southeastern District on Eastern Avenue.

UPDATE (Dec. 17, 2:25 p.m.): Baltimore police are charging two men in connection with the ambush shooting of an officer and a homicide of a man early Thursday.

Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said the two men confessed to shooting Officer Keona Holley and to a homicide in the 600 block of Lucia Avenue. Harrison identified the suspects as Elliot Knox, 31, and Travon Shaw, 32. Both are being charged with attempted murder in Holley's shooting and with murder in the killing of Justin Johnson, 38.

"These were brazen acts of violence and it shows how far we have to go to show people and to make sure that folks understand that this cannot continue. You cannot snuff someone out for something so petty. You cannot think that our police officers should be a target for you," Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said.

"In this moment, I cannot overstate how angry and disheartened we all are that we continue to have those in our community who are intent on committing violent acts, especially against law enforcement officers. It is unacceptable and we will not tolerate it," Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby said.

Police said the suspects ambushed Holley as she sat in her patrol car around 1:35 a.m. Thursday in the 4400 block of Pennington Avenue. Johnson was shot about an hour later.

Harrison said "a great deal of" video evidence that included residential security camera video and license plate readers "put the puzzle together" and led the Regional Auto Theft Task Force to find a vehicle linked to the shooting of Holley.

Sources told the 11 News I-Team that investigators first found Knox, who confessed and then told them about Shaw's involvement.

The commissioner said investigators don't know a motive, but the suspects knew Johnson, who had three children. But the victim may not have known the suspects.

"While we had extensive interviews, we don't quite have motive. We don't know why they did this. We have absolute confessions that they did it, they were there. We don't have motive as to why," Harrison said.

Police wouldn't offer any connection between Johnson and Holley.

Watch the police news conference in its entirety:

Residents in the area of the homicide told 11 News they remember hearing the gunfire.

"'Boom, boom, boom.' And, I heard that noise and I thought someone was banging on something. So, I looked out the window," said Diane Carroll, a resident of Lucia Avenue.

Harrison said two guns were used and two guns were recovered at a Baltimore County house, one of which is confirmed to have been used in both incidents.

Harrison said both suspects have criminal histories involving multiple jurisdictions.

The 11 News I-Team looked into the suspects' backgrounds. According to Maryland Judiciary Case Search, Shaw has prior convictions for assault, armed robbery and gang activity. He served some time in prison. Only a minor traffic case was found for Knox.

Holley remains in critical condition on life support at Shock Trauma, the commissioner said. She has four children and has been with the Baltimore Police Department since 2019.

UPDATE (Dec. 17, 12:53 p.m.): Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh began his news conference Friday by sending best wishes to Holley and her family.

"Officer Holley is one of many very brave, very brave officers that protect our city, protect our county, day in and day out, year in and year out. Our prayers are with her and her family and all the officers out there who do an amazing job out there protecting us and making sure we can sleep at night, so we're very thankful for that," Harbaugh said.

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

UPDATE (Dec. 17, 10:54 a.m.): Baltimore police will hold a news conference today at 2 p.m. to provide an update into the shooting of Officer Keona Holley.

UPDATE (10:17 p.m.): Community leaders held a prayer vigil Thursday night outside of Shock Trauma for Holley. Leaders from many faiths gathered to pray for Holley's family and for her speedy recovery.

"We are men and women of faith. We believe in a God of miracles. We believe that she can get out of that bed and she will recover and we will all celebrate that. But more than anything, we are going to pray now for the peace of our city," said Bishop Angel Nunez, president of Act Now Baltimore and Multicultural Prayer Movement.

UPDATE (5:05 p.m.): A Baltimore police officer shot in an ambush early Thursday remains on full life support as her family pleads for justice.

Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison identified the officer shot as Keona Holley, 39, who was hired in December 2019.

Dr. Thomas Scalea, physician in chief at Shock Trauma said Holley is in the intensive care unit, her injuries are life-threatening, she is critically ill.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said Holley is a mother and that she volunteered to work overtime Wednesday night in an area that is known for violence.

"She is a mother, she is a sister, she is a daughter who literally risked her life every day for the city," Scott said.

"She was where she was supposed to be doing what she was supposed to do," Harrison said.

Harrison said detectives are interviewing several people in connection with the investigation and are processing forensic evidence. Investigators have also recovered a vehicle.

Harrison said they do not have information to suggest this was a domestic-related incident.

"The information that we have right now suggests that it is not domestic, that this was a heinous, violent, cowardly, apparently very targeted act," Harrison said. "There's no way for us to know at this point if she would've known her assailant."

Holley's older sister, Lawanda Sykes, said at a Thursday evening news conference: "She took on this job, she took on this responsibility. This has been a life-long goal of my sister to serve the Baltimore City Police Department. My sister dedicated herself to this job -- she went in early, she stayed late, she spent countless hours away from her children to serve the community in the Southern District. I'm going to ask you, if you have an honest, decent, empathetic bone in your body that you speak up and say something. Come out and say something. The person who did this to my sister, you are a coward. You tried to snuff her and take something you can't. She is stronger than you will ever be, and the force behind her is stronger than you will ever be."

Sykes stood outside Shock Trauma alongside her mother and Holley's daughters.

"I ask that you keep her covered, that you pray for her, that you pray for us," Sykes said. "Understand that my sister, she's the yin to my yang, all I've ever known. She's the other part of me, and I refuse to give that up for anybody -- especially a city who does not appreciate her."

Gov. Larry Hogan announced the state will match a reward being offered, bringing it to $118,000.

Watch the police news conference in its entirety:

Officer Holley loved in Curtis Bay community

Neighbors said Holley is loved in her Curtis Bay community. Many people along Pennington Avenue told 11 News they know Holley well and described her as a nice and caring person.

Resik Patel, owner of the Soda Pop Shop, which is across the street from where Holley was shot, said she is so much more than a police officer, she is a good friend.

"I feel so bad," Patel said. "She is a nice police officer. Every time she worked the night duty, she (came) when we close, 'Hey, pop, how you doing?' In the morning duty, she comes around 12 o'clock. She would talk. She was a nice officer and I feel so bad."

Holley's neighbors are in disbelief over the news.

"It's just, it's horrible. I mean, it's really horrible news. She's such a nice girl. I'm speechless," said Rose Smith, a neighbor. "She would have stories about our pets, and she loves our little dog. She comes and goes. Very polite, very nice young lady. I'm amazed. I'm shocked."

UPDATE (3:50 p.m.): A $59,000 reward is being offered for tips leading to an arrest and conviction in the ambush shooting of a Baltimore police officer. City police announced Metro Crime Stoppers is offering a $4,000 reward, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is offering a $10,000 reward, the FBI is offering a $10,000 reward, the Baltimore City Fraternal Order of Police is offering a $25,000 reward and the U.S. Marshal Service is offering a $10,000 reward.

Tips must be given to Metro Crime Stoppers at 866-7LOCKUP or via its P3 Tips mobile app or its website.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore announced clergy will hold a prayer service at Shock Trauma at 7 p.m.

ORIGINAL STORY: A Baltimore police officer was shot in what police called an "ambushed-style" shooting in south Baltimore.

A news conference is scheduled for 5 p.m. -- Watch on 11 News, WBALTV.com, the WBAL-TV app, and WBAL-TV's Facebook, Twitter and YouTube channels.

The shooting happened at approximately 1:35 a.m. Thursday in the 4400 block of Pennington Avenue, according to police.

Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison called the shooting a "brazen, cowardly act of violence." The officer was on duty, sitting in her vehicle when someone came up from behind and shot the officer multiple times, Harrison said. Initially, the emergency call came in as a crash, and it was then discovered the officer was shot.

The officer appeared to suffer life-threatening gunshot wounds, police said. At last report Thursday morning, the officer underwent multiple surgeries and was in guarded condition at Shock Trauma.

"I want to talk about, No. 1, the cowardly, brazen act of someone walking up and just opening fire on a police officer who is doing what we asked that officer to do, to go out and protect and serve. The mayor and I had an opportunity to meet with family who are, like us, obviously angry, confused, in search of answers and have an expectation that we will find who did this and we will hold one or as many people responsible for this as possible," Harrison said.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott released a statement Thursday morning, saying: "Early this morning, a Baltimore police officer was shot in the line of duty and is in grave condition at the University of Maryland Medical System Shock Trauma Center. My heartfelt prayers go out to the officer's family and fellow officers who selflessly risk their lives to safeguard our neighborhoods and build a better Baltimore. Whoever committed this heinous act is a coward who must be brought to justice for our officer, the officer's family, and our city. I have no doubt that our detectives will find those responsible, but we need anyone with information to come forward and share it with us now. No family should be dealing with this pain, especially during the holidays. As a city, we owe it to this officer to quickly bring those responsible to justice."

Gov. Larry Hogan tweeted a statement, saying: "This morning, a Baltimore Police officer was shot in a despicable, ambush-style attack in South Baltimore. We have offered the full resources of the Maryland State Police to assist in the investigation. I ask all Marylanders to keep the officer in your prayers."

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 410-396-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 866-7LOCKUP.

Baltimore police are getting support from federal law enforcement agencies.

The FBI Baltimore Field Office is assisting Baltimore police in the investigation, saying in a tweet, "Our thoughts are with the officer, her family & her colleagues." Anyone with information can call the FBI at 800-CALL-FBI.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' Baltimore office is also assisted Baltimore police in the investigation.

Maryland U.S. Attorney Erek Barron released a statement, saying: "Today's cowardly ambush shooting of a Baltimore Police Department patrol officer in the line of duty is a tragic example of the risks facing law enforcement officers every day in the performance of their duties to keep our communities safe. My thoughts and prayers are with the officer and the officer's family for a swift and full recovery. We will not tolerate this type of senseless violence. Those who perpetrated this attack must be found and prosecuted. I encourage anyone with information to contact the Baltimore Police Department. To the men and women of the Baltimore Police Department and all Maryland law enforcement, please know that all of us at the U.S. Attorney's Office stand with you and thank you for your bravery and devotion to justice."

nygaardplase1949.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.wbaltv.com/article/police-involved-shooting-south-baltimore/38534772

Share this post