A man has been found guilty of fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend multiple times in front of their infant child, leading to a life sentence possibility. Shawn Bolden Jr was convicted by a jury in just 35 minutes for malice and felony murder, aggravated assault, and weapon possession during the 2021 incident involving the death of Deanna Ellison, aged 29.
According to the prosecution, Ellison decided to end the relationship with Bolden after an incident on Mother’s Day 2020 when he slapped her for inviting her mother over for dinner while she was three months pregnant. Despite the breakup, they had agreed to co-parent their child upon its birth. However, nearly a year later, on May 6, 2021, police were alerted by neighbors of gunshots and a man fleeing Ellison’s residence in Port Wentworth.
Upon arrival, first responders had to forcefully enter the home and discovered a tragic scene with Ellison’s lifeless body covered in blood and their infant crying and distressed on the bed. The Medical Examiner confirmed Deanna’s death resulted from 11 gunshot wounds.
Shortly after the incident, an anonymous 911 call was received by Chatham County dispatchers reporting Bolden’s confession to killing his ex-partner. Bolden was later apprehended over 100 miles away on I-16 by Georgia State Patrol Officers following a high-speed chase spanning two counties. Investigators noted Bolden’s lack of concern for his son or Deanna, emphasizing his attempts to mislead the probe.
District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones stated in a press release that Bolden ruthlessly shot Deanna in front of their infant, reloading his firearm during the attack, just three days before what would have been Deanna’s first Mother’s Day. Bolden was also found guilty of aggravated assault and weapon possession. Sentencing is set for January 9, with the prosecution seeking a life term without parole.
Deanna’s obituary portrayed her as a vibrant and compassionate individual, noting her positive outlook on life and her ability to bring joy to those around her with her infectious laughter and warm presence.