Baltimore Officer Keona Holley Dies A Week After Ambush Shooting
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Baltimore City Police officer Keona Holley has died after she was removed from life support Thursday afternoon, Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said.
Holley was in her patrol car on Pennington Avenue in Curtis Bay early Thursday morning when she was ambushed and shot, police said. She was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The mother of four was working overtime on the shift, according to police. She joined the department in 2019.
Two men were arrested the next day after police recovered a vehicle of interest based on surveillance video reviewed by detectives. They are being held without bail.
The suspects, Elliot Knox, 31, and Travon Shaw, 32, also face murder charges in the death of Justin Johnson, a 38-year-old man who was shot and killed hours after Holley was shot.
As word spread of Holley's death, so too did reactions from the community and its leadership, who offered condolences to the officer's family, friends and colleagues.
"She was way more than a police officer, she was a friend, she was family" said neighbor Shante Wells.
"I'm hurt, I'm hurt. I'm really hurt Because that's an officer, someone who protected and served for our city" said city resident Pat Redmond.
"Our prayers are with Officer Holley's family and loved ones, co-workers and the entire community. I thank her and the entire BPD community for their commitment, service and sacrifice. We mourn Officer Holley's death together and we will heal together," said Commissioner Harrison.
"Our hearts are broken over the devastating loss of one of our true heroes. Please keep Officer Holley's family in your prayers, as well as her brothers and sisters in [the Baltimore Police Department] and all those who put their lives on the line every day to keep the rest of us safe," Governor Larry Hogan said.
"I offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Keona Holley, a devoted public servant who worked selflessly to protect our community," said Mayor Brandon Scott. "Baltimore will never forget Officer Holley's sacrifice and commitment to making a difference in her beloved city. I ask that everyone please keep Officer Holley's family in your prayers as they endure the holiday season without their mother, daughter, sister and loyal friend."
Signal 13, a nonprofit foundation that financially supports Baltimore officers in need, is providing assistance to Holley's family. To donate on their website, click on the "Donate" button and designate your donation to the family by writing "In support of Officer Holley" in the notes box or in the memo field of a written check.
