Shakeia Allen had only been living at the ReNew Apartment Complex in Nottingham, Maryland for a few days when she saw her estranged boyfriend and ran. It wasn't enough to save her.
Amir Johnson, 26, allegedly chased Allen through the parking lot of her new apartment building on April 21, 2024, before shooting the 27-year-old mother multiple times from close range as she screamed for help, according to authorities and surveillance video reviewed by local outlets.
"Get away from me!" she yelled, according to witnesses.
Background
Johnson and Allen had been in a relationship for years, but their time together was marked by multiple reported incidents of domestic violence, according to records reviewed by CBS affiliate WJZ. In August 2023, both parties filed protective orders against each other—efforts that were ultimately dropped when neither appeared in court.
The couple's documented troubles continued into early 2024. In February, the pair reportedly argued for days before their confrontation turned physical. Johnson was charged with assault in connection with that incident.
"She had only been there a few days," neighbor Dawn Beddis told WJZ of Allen's move to the ReNew Apartment Complex. "She moved to get away from that man."
The Investigation
Surveillance video allegedly captured the moments leading up to and including the shooting. The footage showed Johnson at the apartment complex, pursuing Allen through the parking lot as she attempted to flee.
"Leave her alone!" a witness can be heard yelling in the video, according to reports.
Johnson then shot Allen multiple times from close range before walking away, authorities said.
"When I saw the video, and I saw how cold, you know, he was when he was shooting her, and walks away like, 'Hey, just another day,' it's frightening," Beddis added.
According to Baltimore County court records reviewed by Law&Crime, a grand jury has indicted Johnson for first-degree murder in Allen's death. He is also charged with use of a firearm during the commission of a felony or a crime of violence.
Johnson was reportedly arrested in Maine on unrelated domestic violence charges. Those charges were dropped once he was booked into custody in Maryland on the homicide case, authorities said.
Key Takeaways
- Shakeia Allen, 27, had only recently moved to the ReNew Apartment Complex in Nottingham, Maryland—a location she chose specifically to escape her estranged boyfriend, according to a neighbor.
- Surveillance video allegedly captured Amir Johnson chasing Allen through the parking lot while she screamed for help and witnesses pleaded with him to stop.
- Johnson was arrested in Maine on unrelated domestic violence charges before being extradited to Maryland.
- A grand jury indicted Johnson on first-degree murder and firearm charges in connection with Allen's death.
- The couple had a years-long relationship marked by documented domestic violence incidents, including prior assault charges and dropped protective order filings.
What's Next
Johnson remains in custody as the case proceeds through Baltimore County Circuit Court. His defense team has not yet entered a plea in response to the first-degree murder indictment. Further court proceedings, including arraignment and potential trial dates, are expected to be scheduled in the coming months.