‘Emptied his gun’: Life without parole for Port Wentworth man who executed mother of his child in front of their infant

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A Port Wentworth man will spend the rest of his life in prison for killing the mother of his child in front of their 5-month-old, several years ago. His sentencing was recently following a jury conviction.

Last month, a Chatham County jury found Shawn Bolden Jr. guilty of shooting and killing the mother of his child, Deanna Ellison and now he’s been sentenced by a judge.

Ellison was shot multiple times and killed on May 6th, 2021, in front of the couple’s 5-month-old son.

33-year-old Shawn Antonio Bolden Jr. was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

He was sentenced to an additional 5 years to serve for possessing a firearm during a felony. That will run consecutive to his life sentence, meaning it will run after, not at the same time.

He filed for a new trial 3 days after his sentencing, according to court records. He has a status conference with counsel scheduled for May.

As far as the jury trial, DA Shalena Cook Jones tells us jurors in the case took only 35 minutes to return the verdict after hearing about the incredible abuse Deanna suffered at the hands of Bolden.

The DA’s office says Deanna left the relationship on Mother’s Day of 2020 after she was slapped for inviting her mother over for dinner.

At the time, she was 3 months pregnant with her first child.

The press release from the DA states that, “Almost a year later and just 3 days before what would have been Deanna’s first Mother’s Day, Bolden emptied his 9mm revolver into Deanna, reloaded it and continued to shoot her lifeless body. All of this occurred in front of the couple’s 5-month-old child.”

She was shot 11 times the medical examiner testified.

Neighbors called 911 after hearing the gunshots and seeing a man run away from the home.

First responders had to kick in the door when they arrived and heard the child screaming inside.

The jury watched the body-worn cameras of the officers, which, according to the prosecuting trial team, was one of the most difficult pieces of video they have ever had to show a jury.

About an hour after the murder, Chatham County dispatchers received a 911 call from an anonymous person saying Bolden had just confessed to killing his “baby momma”.

A BOLO was issued statewide, and Georgia State Patrol Officers located Bolden more than 100 miles away on I-16. After a high-speed chase across 2 counties, GSP deployed a successful PIT maneuver after which he was taken into custody.

Before Bolden, Jr. was taken into custody, Port Wentworth Police spent almost 10 hours at their home on Miriam Jordan Road, in Port Wentworth.

The release says Port Wentworth detectives testified that Bolden lied and tried to manipulate the officers and the initial investigation. “Throughout the investigation, Bolden showed no concern for the wellbeing of his son or Deanna.”

Deanna’s family released the following information about her in her obituary:

“From a young age, Deanna had a zest for life, a huge personality, a heart of gold and a mind of her very own. She was an incredible person that always looked for the good in every experience and everyone she encountered. Her laugh was so big and bright, that anyone who heard it couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy. Her smile was warm, comforting, and sincere.  Her voice was strong and encouraging, and her presence was absolutely felt.

She loved the role she played in the lives of those she cared for most, as a daughter, sister, grand-daughter, niece and friend. Her highest badge of honor was mothering her 5-month-old son, Braylon. He was her most favorite and cherished accomplishment. She had so many plans and dreams for his and her future. She loved her Uncle Jared who encouraged her to finish school.

Deanna enjoyed fashion, travel, and music. She also enjoyed food and cooking. Accordingly, she had just begun her catering business, Deanna’s Kitchen. Deanna owes her love for cooking to her grandma Claudia whom she had a great love and fondness for."

Deanna's family

It’s unclear which prison Bolden Jr. will spend the rest of his life at.