A man has been found guilty of shooting his ex-girlfriend multiple times in front of their infant child, leading to the woman’s death. Shawn Bolden Jr was convicted of malice and felony murder, aggravated assault, and weapon possession during the crime in the 2021 killing of Deanna Ellison. The jury deliberated for just 35 minutes before reaching their verdict.
The tragic incident unfolded after Ellison decided to end the relationship following an altercation on Mother’s Day 2020 when Bolden struck her for inviting her mother over for dinner while she was three months pregnant. Despite the breakup, the couple had agreed to co-parent their child once born.
On May 6, 2021, authorities were alerted by neighbors who heard gunshots and saw a man fleeing from Ellison’s residence in Port Wentworth. Upon arriving, first responders were forced to break down the door and discovered a horrific scene: Ellison’s lifeless body drenched in blood, with the infant crying on the bed.
Footage from police body cameras was presented to the jury, depicting a harrowing scene that prosecutors described as one of the most challenging videos they had ever shown in court. The Medical Examiner confirmed that Deanna succumbed to 11 gunshot wounds.
Shortly after the crime, an anonymous 911 call reported Bolden confessing to the murder. A statewide alert was issued, leading to Bolden’s apprehension by Georgia State Patrol Officers over 100 miles away on I-16 after a high-speed chase spanning two counties.
Bolden, who showed no regard for the well-being of his child or the victim, attempted to mislead investigators during the inquiry. District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones condemned the heinous act, emphasizing that Bolden mercilessly shot Deanna in front of their infant just days before what would have been her first Mother’s Day.
Bolden was also found guilty of aggravated assault and illegal weapon possession. His sentencing is set for January 9, with the prosecution seeking life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Deanna was remembered in her obituary as a vibrant and compassionate individual who radiated positivity and warmth to everyone she encountered.
