Baltimore Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Ambush Shooting of Police Officer

Baltimore, Maryland – A man found guilty of the 2021 murder of a Baltimore police officer and another victim has been handed two life sentences without the possibility of parole. Elliot Knox, 34, was convicted earlier this year following a trial that saw prosecutors presenting evidence that convinced jurors of his guilt in the deadly shootings that occurred just hours apart in different parts of Baltimore.

During the sentencing hearing, Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates emphasized that the severe penalty serves as a clear message of intolerance towards acts of violence that plague communities, especially those targeting the honorable men and women serving the city. Knox’s attorney did not provide any immediate comments following the sentencing.

The tragic events unfolded when Baltimore police officer Keona Holley was ambushed and fatally shot while on an overnight shift seated in her marked patrol car. Not long after, another victim, Justin Johnson, was similarly shot and killed while sitting in a parked car. Knox was identified as the owner of a vehicle captured on surveillance footage leaving both crime scenes, leading to his apprehension.

In a statement to detectives, Knox partially confessed his involvement but placed the blame on another man, Travon Shaw, who ultimately became his co-defendant. Shaw, also serving life without parole, had been convicted of murder and other charges related to Johnson’s killing. He later pleaded guilty to his role in Holley’s murder as well.

Although Johnson’s partner testified to being close friends with Shaw, investigators could not establish any connection between Knox and the victims. Holley, a mother and former nursing assistant, had joined the Baltimore Police Department in 2019 at the age of 37. Described by her family as a dedicated “good cop” with a desire to serve her community, her tragic death deeply impacted those who knew her.