Police Identify Officer Who was Ambushed in South Baltimore
Brandi Proctor
16 December 2021
Baltimore City Police have identified the officer who was shot overnight as Officer Keona Holley, a 2-year veteran of the force. Officer Holley is on life support as a result of her injuries.
She was shot early Thursday on Pennington Ave. in Curtis Bay.
Police got the call for a car crash around 1:35 a.m. On scene, officers learned that a patrol vehicle had crashed and that the driver of the vehicle was an officer assigned to the Southern District. That patrol officer appeared to be suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds.
Officers performed first aid and worked to get Officer Holley to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma as quickly as possible.
“This was a cowardly, brazen act to walk up and open fire on a police officer who was doing what we asked that officer to do—to go out to protect and serve,” said Commissioner Michael Harrison.
At an evening press conference, Commissioner Harrison said, "The information we have right now suggests this is not domestic. This is a heinous, cowardly, very targeted act."
“Our prayers are with the officer’s family. We are determined to find those responsible for this heinous crime and will not rest until we do.”
Officer Holley's sister, Lawanda Sykes, spoke at the press conference, asking for the public to speak up. "You know something; you've seen something; say it! We've got to do better in this city. In Baltimore, we are killing ourselves. It should not be like this!"
"At some point, the city has to turn around—not just for my sister, but for all the lost souls we've had this year. My sister is fighting for her life. We will continue to fight with her and for her."
"Step up, Baltimore; you can do better."
Dr. Thomas Scalea from the University of Maryland Shock Trauma said the officer's injuries are "significant" and will take a while to heal.
Mayor Brandon Scott said in a release: “My heartfelt prayers go out to the officer’s family and fellow officers who selflessly risk their lives to safeguard our neighborhoods and build a better Baltimore. Whoever committed this heinous act is a coward who must be brought to justice for our officer, the officer’s family, and our city. I have no doubt that our detectives will find those responsible, but we need anyone who has information to come forward and share it with us now. No family should be dealing with this pain, especially during the holidays. As a city, we owe it to our officers to quickly bring those responsible to justice.”
Governor Larry Hogan offered the assistance of the State Police to help find the shooter.
The FBI is also assisting in the investigation. A $118,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of a suspect.
The police say the investigation is active and fluid. Police Commissioner Harrison says a car of interest has been located and people are being questioned.
Officer Holley remains at Shock Trauma in Intensive Care.
Donations help with web hosting, stamps and materials, and the cost of keeping the website online. Thank you so much for helping BCPH.
Two suspects charged with the shooting of Baltimore police officer
Two suspects in the Thursday shooting of a Baltimore police officer who was sitting in her patrol vehicle are in custody, police said.
The duo—Elliot Knox and Travon Shaw—were charged with attempted murder in the shooting of Officer Keona Holley as well as murder for shooting 27-year-old Justin Johnson nearby, the Baltimore Police Department announced Friday.
The gunmen approached Holley—now in critical but stable condition, according to CNN—from behind around 1:30 a.m. Thursday and opened fire, hitting her multiple times, police said.
She was shot twice in the head, once in the leg and once in the hand, according to documents obtained by the Baltimore Sun.
Both alleged shooters had criminal histories, according to a report.
Officer Keona Holley, who was shot twice in the head, once in the leg and once in the hand, is in critical but stable condition.
Shaw, 32, was awaiting trial in Baltimore County for a March 2020 arrest for being a felon in possession of a firearm, The Sun reported, citing court records. He reportedly had a previous conviction for armed robbery and assault from a 2006 case.
Knox, 31, was convicted of three armed robberies in 2006, when he was 16 and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Travon Shaw.
Travon Shaw reportedly had a previous conviction for armed robbery and assault from a 2006 case.
Baltimore Police Department, via AP
Elliot Knox.
Elliot Knox was convicted of three armed robberies in 2006.
Baltimore Police Department, via AP
Investigators found weapons allegedly used in the pair of shootings, the police department said.
“What we now know is that both shootings are related,” Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said during a news conference. “As we now know, the perpetrators of Officer Holley’s shooting then left that scene, went to Lucia Avenue, and then committed the homicide of Justin Johnson.”
“These incidents are tragic and remind us of the culture of violence that pervades Baltimore. Life is precious and sacred, but unfortunately there are those who have no regard for it,” Harrison said in a statement, blasting the “cowards responsible” for the shooting.
“No family should have to endure this type of heartache over the holidays, so please keep Officer Holley’s family and the entire community in your prayers.”
State Attorney for Baltimore Marilyn Mosby pledged to prosecute the suspects “to the fullest extent of the law.”
“We will have zero tolerance for those who seek to use violence and murder to settle their grievances. And the criminals that do will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” she said, according to CNN.”
Keona Holley
The State Attorney for Baltimore pledged to prosecute the suspects in Holley’s shooting “to the fullest extent of the law.”
As officer Holley continues to fight and fight for her life, we vow to her, her family, her colleagues, and this community that we will get justice on her behalf—fo every victim that has been affected by these heinous acts of violence, we will get justice on their behalf.”
Holley, 39, was working an overtime shift in the Curtis Bay neighborhood when she was shot, according to the Baltimore Sun.
On Saturday, NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea on Twitter expressed his support for the wounded Baltimore cop.
BALTIMORE — After deteriorating health and a fight for her life, Holley's family as well as medical officials made a difficult decision.
Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison and the Baltimore Police Department announce that Officer Keona Holley has been removed from life support.
“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.
The department is extending the offer to any support and assistance officers who may need it as free and confidential counseling services are available for all BPD employees. The BPD also continues to support Officer Holley’s family.
“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.”
The Signal 13 Foundation is providing assistance to the family in their time of need. Those who wish to provide financial support to Officer Holley’s family may do so through the Signal 13 website at signal13foundation.org. You can designate your support for Officer Holley’s family, by writing “In support of Officer Holley” in the notes box or in the memo field of a written check.
Keith Daniels
On this Christmas Eve, the family of Baltimore Police Officer Keona Holley is mourning, and they're speaking out.
Although it's the time of year to be with the ones you love, for her family and the police department, this holiday will be about planning a funeral.
Officer Holley was pulled off life support Thursday, a week after she was ambushed in a shooting in Curtis Bay.
But Holley's sister, Lawanda Sykes, and mother, Karen Eaddy, say on this night before Christmas there's still joy, peace, and a reason to be part of the season.
"I wish everybody a Merry Christmas. I mean, it's still merry to me because I have my grandkids," said Eaddy. "I may not have my child, but I have my grandkids. So, I have to lift myself up and lift them up to have Christmas without their mom."
Holley, who joined the Baltimore police force two years ago, was a 39-year-old mother with four children, the youngest being a 10-year-old son.
Holley's sister says they intend to have a joyful holiday but admits that, amid the upbeat spirit, the pain and tears remain.
"The tears will never go away; they will always be there. But those tears also hold memories. They hold laughter; they hold joy. They hold her life, her essence, and her spirit," said Sykes.
Police say Holley was shot several times while sitting in her police car early that morning, December 16, in south Baltimore. She was shot in the head while working an overtime shift.
Holley had been on life support at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center until Thursday, when her family made the difficult decision to remove her from life support, two days before Christmas.
"That, I don't think we're ready to talk about. Too soon for that," said Sykes.
But Sykes is talking about the seemingly-out-of-control gun violence that's happening across the city and the violent crime that cost her sister her life. Her plea now: Stop the violence.
"Something has to be done about it. Whether it comes from our politicians or police department, whatever, no matter what. But the message has to go to the person who's picking up the gun," said Sykes.
Police have arrested and charged two men in the shooting, Elliott Knox and Travon Shaw. They're the same men, police say, who shot and killed Justin Johnson 90 minutes after shooting Holley.
And on this night before Christmas, one sister has a message to her sister's suspected killers.
"Everybody does not have or was given the love that my sister had, and maybe that was missing from them. The only hope that I can find is as that they find forgiveness in God," said Sykes.
POLICE INFORMATION
If you have copies of: your Baltimore Police Department class photo; pictures of our officers, vehicles, and equipment; newspaper articles relating to our department and/or officers; old departmental newsletters; lookouts; wanted posters; or brochures. Information on deceased officers and anything that may help preserve the history and proud traditions of this agency. Please contact retired detective Kenny Driscoll.
NOTICE
How to Dispose of Old Police Items
Please contact Det. Ret. Kenny Driscoll if you have any pictures of you or your family members and wish them remembered here on this tribute site to honor the fine men and women who have served with honor and distinction at the Baltimore Police Department. Anyone with information, photographs, memorabilia, or other "Baltimore City Police" items can contact Ret. Det. Kenny Driscoll at
Copyright © 2002 Baltimore City Police History: Ret Det. Kenny Driscoll
Captain Charles H Burns
