On Wednesday, November 4, the Delaware Supreme Court upheld the 2008
conviction and death sentence of Shannon M. Johnson.

“We are pleased that the conviction and sentence in this case has been upheld,” Attorney General Beau Biden stated. “The maximum sentence handed down and now reaffirmed by the Supreme Court is appropriate, ensures that justice is served, and will keep a dangerous criminal off our streets.”

On September 24, 2006, Johnson shot and killed Cameron Hamlin in Wilmington. The only witness, Johnson’s ex-girlfriend and the mother of his child, was also an intended target but escaped harm. On November 10, 2006, Johnson was on the run from the police and, as his exgirlfriend drove from her house, approached the car while firing a gun at her. He smashed the driver’s side window, dragged her from the car, shot her, and fled the scene. The victim was taken to the hospital, was treated, and recovered. Johnson was found in hiding five days later.

Johnson was convicted in New Castle County Superior Court on March 27, 2008 of First Degree Murder, First Degree Assault, First Degree Reckless Endangering, three counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited. On September 5, 2008 he was sentenced by Judge M. Jane Brady to death by lethal injection plus 95 years in prison.
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