Man sent to prison for ambush killing of man, police officer

A Baltimore City Circuit Court judge sentenced Elliot Knox to life in prison for the 2021 killings of a man and a Baltimore police officer.

Judge Jennifer Schiffer of Baltimore City Circuit Court heard from the victims' family members, attorneys for both sides and the convicted killer himself before handing down her sentence.

A jury convicted Knox in March in the fatal shootings of Justin Johnson and Baltimore Police Officer Keona Holley.

Lawanda Sykes, Holley's sister, filed a statement in court, along with Holley's daughters.

“We are pleased with this sentence. We know he will never breathe free air again in his lifetime,” Sykes said. “These are the choices he made and he suffered the consequences.”

The girls' words brought tears to those in the courtroom.

“Keona Holley was a mother, daughter, sister and dear friend to so many,” Sykes said. “She lived 39 years, seven months, 23 days, 16 hours and 44 minutes. She loved life and was always full of energy and laughter.”

Johnson's aunt, sister and mother addressed the court and, after the proceedings, expressed satisfaction with the sentence.

“He killed my son, and part of me feels angry about it, part of me feels sad about it. And, when I let it all go, when I don't have to think about the court, I'm fine with it. But when it comes back to me and I have to think about it, I get angry again and I miss my son. So, forgiving him is going to take me a while,” said Justina Snowdon, the mother. Johnson. .

After the six women gave their victim impact statements, the prosecutor asked for the maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. The defense asked for a life sentence in case rehabilitation was possible.

The defendant requested a new trial and a new lawyer before making his own statement. He spoke for at least an hour, calling himself the victim of a gang initiation in a vast statewide criminal conspiracy that includes police, hospitals, his own lawyer, his murder victims and the mayor.

Knox said that before his arrest for the fatal Holley ambush in December 2021, he worked non-stop, doing landscaping, DoorDash, adult films and construction work.

When Knox finished, the judge apologized, saying, “To the Holley and Johnson families, I'm sorry for your loss and I'm sorry for what you just listened to.” » Then she sentenced Knox to two consecutive terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole, guaranteeing that he will spend the rest of his natural life in prison.

Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates released a statement saying:

“Today’s sentence against Elliot Knox sends an unequivocal message that the acts of violence that have afflicted our communities will not be tolerated. Particularly acts that seek to harm or slander the women and men who honorably serve our city.

“My heart continues to be with the families as they strive to heal, and I hope that today's sentence has provided them with closure. I congratulate ASA Kurt Bjorklund on receiving this long sentence and the Baltimore Police Department's partnership to bring closure to these families.

“It is extremely important to note that our office thoroughly reviewed and investigated all of the information Mr. Knox stated at his sentencing, and we were unable to corroborate any of that information. This sentence ensures that Mr. Knox will not be able to never harm anyone in sentencing Baltimore once again Our unwavering commitment to achieving justice for crime victims and keeping our streets safe for all will continue undeterred.

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