A city jury continued to deliberate Tuesday morning the fate of a man charged in the fatal shootings of Baltimore Police officer Keona Holley and 27-year-old Justin Johnson three years ago.
Jurors deliberated for over two hours Monday afternoon before being dismissed for the day.
Elliot Knox is charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and firearms offenses stemming from the shootings, which happened over a 90-minute stretch in the early morning of Dec. 16, 2021. If convicted, the 34-year-old faces life in prison.
His trial, which began last week, spanned the better part of four days.
During closing arguments, Assistant State’s Attorney Kurt Bjorklund described the killings as “executions,” saying it was his belief that Knox pulled the trigger in both shootings.
Holley was ambushed and gunned down around 1:30 a.m. while sitting in her patrol car on an overtime shift in Curtis Bay. When she was shot, Holley’s car lurched forward over Pennington Avenue, rolled down an embankment and came to rest in a park. Two bullets struck her in the head, damaging her brain. The 39-year-old mother of four died in the hospital about a week after the shooting.
Around 3 a.m. the same day, Johnson was gunned down while sitting in his 1997 Lincoln Town Car in the 600 block of Lucia Ave., which is in the city’s Yale Heights neighborhood. Six bullets tore into his back, damaging his spine, lungs and heart. He died at the scene.
Scores of detectives descended on the scene of Holley’s shooting, soon learning that a license plate reader in the area had picked up the tag of a silver Hyundai registered to Knox. Cameras showed the car arrive and park around the block from where Holley’s patrol car was. Two men got out. The footage, played at trial, showed them walking in the direction of Holley’s cruiser and then running back toward their car.
Within hours, police located, stopped and detained Knox. After waiving his Miranda rights, he spoke to investigators in a small interview room at the Homicide Unit in Baltimore Police Headquarters.
After misleading police for about two hours by denying any involvement in the violence and claiming someone else had taken his car, he confessed to being present but blamed his accomplice for pulling the trigger in both shootings.
Travon Shaw also was charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and firearms offenses in both killings. A jury in October convicted him of all counts related to Johnson’s death. Shaw, 34, faces life in prison at sentencing later this month, when he is also due to stand trial on the charges stemming from Holley’s killing. His public defender previously declined to comment.
Knox’s defense attorney, Natalie Finegar, told jurors the prosecution couldn’t disprove her client’s story, and thus it was possible that he was telling the truth.
During his interrogation, Knox directed detectives to the house where he hid both guns used in the shootings: A Glock 22 handgun and an AR-style pistol. Police found them in a bedroom closet of the house, where the suspect said they would be, in a pair of backpacks along with gloves, masks and extra magazines.
Crime lab technicians documented and collected ballistics evidence from the scene of both shootings.
From the place Holley was shot, they picked up six .40 caliber casings. Police found another two .40 caliber casings and one .223 caliber casing around Johnson’s car.
Once police had the guns, a firearms examiner with the department was able to complete a full analysis of the evidence. Testifying as an expert, the examiner said the .40 caliber casings from both shooting scenes were “consistent” with having been fired by the Glock 22 recovered by police. He also said the same regarding the .223 caliber round from Johnson’s shooting scene and the AR-style pistol detectives got.
A police DNA analyst also testified that Knox and Shaw matched a profile of genetic material collected from the pistol. The analyst could not identify anyone’s DNA from the Glock 22.
This article will be updated.
Kevin Richardson/Baltimore Sun
Orioles ceremonial first pitch was an honor to Baltimore heroes. (From left to right) Kortez Baker, son of fallen Baltimore Police Officer Keona Holley; Michelle Henninger, mother-in-law of fallen Firefighter and paramedic Lieutenant Paul Butrim; Mila Sadler, daughter of fallen Lieutenant Kelsey Sadler; Santiago Lacayo, brother of fallen Firefighter and paramedic Kenneth Lacayo; Firefighter John McMaster all throw out the ceremonial first pitches before Opening Day game against the Brewers on April 11, 2022
Brian Krista/Baltimore Sun Media
The mother of Baltimore City Police officer Keona S. Holley is escorted up to accept a plaque in honor of her daughter during the Fallen Heroes Day ceremony at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens on Friday, May 6, 2022.
The burial site – a memorial area for first responders, receiving its first after recently being completed – for slain Baltimore Police officer Keona Holley at King Memorial Park Tuesday., Jan. 11, 2022. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
The burial site that was recently completed to offer resting place for first responders. Slain Baltimore Police officer Keona Holley will be memorialized and interred at King Memorial Cemetery.
Brian Krista/Baltimore Sun Media
A plaque honoring the life of fallen Baltimore City Police officer, Keona S. Holley, is seen during the Fallen Heroes Day ceremony at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens on Friday, May 6, 2022.
Karl Merton Ferron/The Baltimore Sun
With Baltimore Police behind, Shante Wells who works at Drink at the Well, speaks to those gathered during a prayer vigil at Curtis Bay Park for Baltimore Police officer Keona Holley.
Kim Hairston/The Baltimore Sun
Officers move forward in a funeral procession for Baltimore police officer Keona Holley, who was shot on December 16, 2021 and died a week later.
Karl Merton Ferron/The Baltimore Sun
Law enforcement from multiple jurisdictions salute as family walk behind the wheeled casket for the funeral for slain Baltimore Police officer Keona Holley.
Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun
Drivers on the outer loop of I-695 watch as the procession approaches during the funeral for Baltimore Police Officer Keona Holley Tuesday afternoon.
Kim Hairston/The Baltimore Sun
Officers move forward in a funeral procession for Baltimore police officer Keona Holley, who was shot on December 16, 2021 and died a week later.
Karl Merton Ferron/The Baltimore Sun
Muzzle flash emits during a three-volley salute during the funeral for slain Baltimore Police Officer Keona Holley at King Memorial Park.
Kim Hairston/The Baltimore Sun
Officers move forward in a funeral procession for Baltimore police officer Keona Holley, who was shot on December 16, 2021 and died a week later.
Karl Merton Ferron/The Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Police march to participate in the three-volley salute during the funeral for slain Baltimore Police officer Keona Holley at King Memorial Park.
Kim Hairston/The Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Police officers place the casket of Officer Keona Holley in a hearse following her funeral at the Baltimore Convention Center on Tuesday.
Kim Hairston/The Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Police officers escort the casket of Officer Keona Holley to the hearse following her funeral at the Baltimore Convention Center on Tuesday. Holley was gunned down in her police cruiser last month as she worked an overtime shift in Curtis Bay.
Karl Merton Ferron/The Baltimore Sun
Law enforcement salute during the funeral for slain Baltimore Police officer Keona Holley at King Memorial Park.
Karl Merton Ferron/The Baltimore Sun
Law enforcement salute during the funeral for slain Baltimore Police officer Keona Holley at King Memorial Park.
Kim Hairston/The Baltimore Sun
Officers move forward in a funeral procession for Baltimore police officer Keona Holley, who was shot on December 16, 2021 and died a week later.
Karl Merton Ferron/The Baltimore Sun
Law enforcement salute during the funeral for slain Baltimore Police officer Keona Holley at King Memorial Park.
Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun
Police from multiple agencies line I-695 as the hearse passes during the funeral procession for Baltimore Police Officer Keona Holley Tuesday afternoon.
Kim Hairston/The Baltimore Sun
Officers move forward in a funeral procession for Baltimore police officer Keona Holley, who was shot on December 16, 2021 and died a week later.
Kim Hairston/The Baltimore Sun
Officers move forward in a funeral procession for Baltimore police officer Keona Holley, who was shot on December 16, 2021 and died a week later.
Family and friends of Baltimore Police Officer Keona Holley stand outside the Baltimore Convention Center following her funeral on Tuesday. Holley was gunned down in her police cruiser last month as she worked an overtime shift in Curtis Bay. Jan. 11, 2022.
Kim Hairston/The Baltimore Sun
Floral tributes honoring Baltimore Police Officer Keona Holley are carried outside the Baltimore Convention Center after her funeral on Tuesday, Jan. 11. She was gunned down in her police cruiser as she worked an overtime shift in Curtis Bay. File. (Kim Hairston/Baltimore Sun).
Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun
Member for the Arbutus Volunteer Fire Dept. salute as the hearse passes during the funeral procession for Baltimore Police Officer Keona Holley Tuesday afternoon.
Karl Merton Ferron/The Baltimore Sun
The casket is removed to take to the interment spot during the funeral for slain Baltimore Police officer Keona Holley at King Memorial Park.
Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun
A miles long procession of police vehicles leads the funeral procession for Baltimore Police Officer Keona Holley Tuesday afternoon.
Karl Merton Ferron/The Baltimore Sun
Law enforcement from multiple jurisdictions move to their positions during the funeral for slain Baltimore Police officer Keona Holley at King Memorial Park on Tuesday., Jan. 11, 2022.
Kim Hairston/The Baltimore Sun
Officers move forward in a funeral procession for Baltimore police officer Keona Holley, who was shot on December 16, 2021 and died a week later.
Karl Merton Ferron/The Baltimore Sun
Color guards from multiple jurisdictions cast winter shadows on the frozen ground while taking their positions during the funeral for slain Baltimore Police officer Keona Holley at King Memorial Park.
Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun
Police from multiple agencies line I-695 as a motorcycle procession leads the funeral procession for Baltimore Police Officer Keona Holley.
Kim Hairston/The Baltimore Sun
The American flag flying between Baltimore City Truck 6 and Baltimore County Truck 18 is reflected on a car in the funeral procession for Baltimore Police Officer Keona Holley. Holley was gunned down in her police cruiser in December as she worked an overtime shift in Curtis Bay.
Police officers leave the Wylie Funeral home after paying their respects to fallen Baltimore City Police Officer Keona Holley, as others wait for their turn to enter. The public viewing for Officer Holley will continue on Monday, Jan. 10, and the funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 11. Officer Holley was fatally shot while parked in her police car in Curtis Bay on Dec. 16, and died one week later. Jan. 9, 2022 p1
A tear streams down Gendell Hayes’ cheek as she writes, “”Job well done…” on a poster of her friend, fallen Baltimore City Police Officer Keona Holley, at the Wylie Funeral Home. Hayes, of Baltimore City, became friends with Holley when they worked together in nursing at the Rosewood Center. Hayes said they had been making plans for a vacation to Jamaica this spring with a group of friends. Officer Holley was fatally shot while parked in her police car in Curtis Bay on Dec. 16, and died one week later. Jan. 9, 2022 p3 Jan. 9, 2022 p3
People line up to pay their respects to fallen Baltimore City Police Officer Keona Holley during the public viewing at the Wylie Funeral Home. The public viewing will continue on Monday, Jan. 10, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., followed by the funeral on Tuesday at the Baltimore Convention Center. Officer Holley was fatally shot while parked in her police car in Curtis Bay on Dec. 16, and died one week later. Jan. 9, 2022 p2
Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun
Baltimore City police commissioner Michael Harrison speaks during a news conference at police headquarters to announce the arrest of 2 suspects in yesterday’s shooting of Baltimore City police officer Keona Holley. December 17, 2021
Baltimore City States Attorney Marilyn Mosby speaks during a news conference at police headquarters to announce the arrest of 2 suspects in yesterday’s shooting of Baltimore City police officer Keona Holley. Dec. 17, 2021
Karl Merton Ferron/The Baltimore Sun
Police crime scene tape flutters in cold gusts of wind where the police vehicle crashed through a fence, plummeting into the park grass below as a group of mourners gather during a prayer vigil at Curtis Bay Park for Baltimore Police officer Keona Holley, currently on life support after being ambushed several days ago at the park.
Karl Merton Ferron/The Baltimore Sun
The destroyed fencing still has police tape attached at the top of the hill behind the group of attendees who begin a prayer vigil at Curtis Bay Park for Baltimore Police officer Keona Holley, currently on life support after being ambushed several days ago at the park Wed., Dec. 22, 2021. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Karl Merton Ferron/The Baltimore Sun
Following the prayer vigil, Sharon Cottrell, organizer (left) and Shante Wells stand at the spot where Baltimore Police officer Keona Holley’s prowler plummeted down an embankment.
Karl Merton Ferron/The Baltimore Sun
Attendees stand during a candlelight vigil outside the Southeastern Precinct for Baltimore Police officer Keona Holley, currently on life support after being ambushed several days ago by a gunman.
Karl Merton Ferron/The Baltimore Sun
Wayne Adams of Dundalk stands with others during a candlelight vigil outside the Southeastern Precinct for Baltimore Police officer Keona Holley, currently on life support after being ambushed several days ago by a gunman.
Kim Hairston/Baltimore Sun
Dr. Thomas Scalea, physician in chief at Shock Trauma, gives an update on the condition of Keona Holley, a Baltimore Police officer who was shot multiple times in Curtis Bay Thursday morning.
Kim Hairston/Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison crosses the street with Lawanda Sykes, sister of Keona Holley, a Baltimore Police officer who was shot multiple times in Curtis Bay.
Karl Merton Ferron/The Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Police stand by during a prayer vigil outside the Southeastern Precinct for Baltimore Police officer Keona Holley, currently on life support after being ambushed several days ago by a gunman.
Kim Hairston/Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison stands next to the family of Keona Holley, a Baltimore Police officer who was shot multiple times in Curtis Bay Thursday morning, during a press conference outside Maryland Shock Trauma.
Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison stands next to Lawanda Sykes, the sister of Keona Holley, a Baltimore Police officer who was shot multiple times in Curtis Bay Thursday morning, during a press conference outside Maryland Shock Trauma.
User Upload Caption: Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison stands next to Lawanda Sykes, the sister of Keona Holley, a Baltimore Police officer who was shot multiple times in Curtis Bay Thursday, during a press conference.
Kim Hairston/Baltimore Sun
Lawanda Sykes, sister of Keona Holley, a Baltimore Police officer who was shot multiple times in Curtis Bay, speaks outside of Shock Trauma.
Karl Merton Ferron/The Baltimore Sun
Tiffany Doxanas, office manager at Drink at The Well in Curtis Bay holds her eleven-year-old child Sedi Doxanas, 11, during prayer at Curtis Bay Park for Baltimore Police officer Keona Holley.
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