Jury Convicts Donte Ellis of Killing Longtime Denver Public Schools Employee

DENVER — Denver District Attorney John Walsh has announced that Donte Ellis was convicted today of first-degree murder in connection with the death of 43 year-old Shayna Johnson, a restorative practice coordinator at Denver’s Castro Elementary School.  Judge Eric Johnson then sentenced Ellis to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

On August 2, 2023, Ellis shot and killed Shayna Johnson in the 3100 block of west Ohio Avenue.

“Shayna Johnson was a beloved mother and friend, and a dedicated special education coordinator who was passionately committed to improving the lives of her students.  Her murder was a senseless act of violence.  I hope this verdict provides a measure of comfort and a sense of closure to Shayna’s family, friends, students and colleagues, and to all those whose lives she touched,” said DA Walsh.  “I want to recognize the prosecutors, investigators and victim advocates in my office, as well as the detectives with the Denver Police Department, whose work resulted in this successful outcome.  I also want to thank the jurors in the case for their service and dedication.”

Chief Deputy District Attorney Robert Nitido and Deputy District Attorney Chad Harple prosecuted the case for the Denver DA’s office.

About the Denver DA’s Office:

Our mission is to professionally and competently prosecute crimes and investigate criminal activity on behalf of the people of Colorado, and to seek equal justice for all in the criminal justice system. Our mission also includes preventing and deterring crimes; supporting victims; participating in the community; being transparent and accountable; and improving the criminal justice system to provide fair alternatives to incarceration in appropriate cases.

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