Baltimore, Maryland — A Maryland jury has found a Baltimore man guilty of first-degree murder after prosecutors said he fatally shot another father who came to help a woman during a dispute over child visitation.
The Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City announced Tuesday that 27-year-old Timothy Shearn was convicted on all charges in the death of 26-year-old Deonaye Johnson, bringing a major legal conclusion to a case that began with what authorities described as a domestic confrontation.
In addition to first-degree murder, Shearn was convicted of two counts of using a handgun during a crime of violence, first-degree assault, and wearing, carrying or transporting a handgun.
Woman Reportedly Sought Help After Being Threatened
According to prosecutors, the incident began on Sept. 9, 2025, when a woman flagged down Baltimore police officers and reported that Shearn, the father of one of her children, had pointed a gun at her and threatened her.
Officers followed the woman to the 1000 block of North Arlington Avenue, where she said the confrontation had occurred. However, by the time they arrived, no one was there.
Police then accompanied the woman to another location where she believed Shearn had gone, but they were again unable to locate him.
Authorities later lost contact with the woman before calling her by phone to determine where she had gone.
Officers Heard Gunshots During Phone Call
According to the State’s Attorney’s Office, officers heard the woman shouting during the phone call.
“The woman could be heard yelling on the phone to put the gun away.”
Moments later, officers heard gunshots, and police technology helped direct them back to North Arlington Avenue, where the shooting had occurred.
When officers arrived, they found Deonaye Johnson lying in the street with an apparent gunshot wound to the back of the head.
Investigators said the woman told police she had contacted Johnson—who was also the father of one of her children—to help calm the situation after she was threatened.
Instead, prosecutors allege that when Johnson arrived, Shearn opened fire.
Johnson was reportedly struck three times. Emergency responders transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Evidence Led Detectives to the Suspect
The woman told investigators she believed Shearn had fled into a nearby home after the shooting.
During their investigation, police recovered an empty Smith & Wesson gun box from a residence on the block, along with six 9 mm cartridge casings near the scene. Authorities said forensic testing determined all of the casings had been fired from the same firearm.
Although Shearn did not immediately surrender, police arrested him about one month later on West Franklin Street, roughly a mile from the crime scene.
Prosecutors Say Conviction Delivers Long-Awaited Justice
Following the verdict, Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates said the conviction sends a clear message about gun violence.
“Ultimately, if you choose to settle a personal dispute with a gun in our city, you will be held to account.”
Bates also reflected on the impact the crime had on Johnson’s loved ones.
“Mr. Shearn made the deliberate decision to take Deonaye Johnson’s life, leaving a family to grieve a loss that can never be undone.”
“Today’s conviction cannot restore what was stolen, but it delivers justice and ensures the man responsible faces the consequences of his actions.”
Shearn is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 16, where he faces life in prison plus an additional 65 years if the court imposes the maximum penalties.
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