In a chilling and devastating crime, a Brooklyn mother was killed in broad daylight outside a funeral, with stunning video depicting her bleeding from the eyes as police rushed to rescue her. The gruesome video was shown in court on Monday, exposing the terrible last moments of 42-year-old Delia Johnson, who was shot repeatedly by an alleged long-time family friend, Claudia Banton.
The Chilling Crime Scene
The brutal murder occurred on August 4, 2021, outside a funeral on Franklin Avenue in Crown Heights. Johnson, who was a loving mother and a community member, was waiting outside when Banton is alleged to have ambushed her and started shooting.
Body-camera video shot by responding officers recorded the mayhem and horror that ensued. In the horrifying video, Johnson was on the ground, lying face-up and gasping for air as blood flowed from her eyes. People passing by shouted in fear as officers rushed to administer assistance.
“She’s got a pulse! Stay with us!” one officer shouted while another frantically performed chest compressions in a desperate attempt to save her life.
Police Misstep: The Killer’s Escape
Shockingly, despite police arriving on the scene within moments, the alleged shooter, Claudia Banton, managed to slip through their grasp.
At least ten officers were in the vicinity when the shooting occurred. According to reports, Banton was stopped in her white Mercedes SUV shortly after the crime but was let go. Some witnesses had misled police by claiming the shooter was a man, throwing off the investigation in a crucial moment.
The inability to arrest Banton immediately enabled her to remain at large for months before she was eventually arrested. The tragic blunder has since generated controversy and debate regarding police procedure in dealing with such heinous crimes. Critics have contended that a more intensive investigation at the crime scene would have been able to keep the killer from escaping so easily.
Who Was Delia Johnson?
Delia Johnson was more than just a name in a crime story—she was a devoted daughter, mother, and friend. A warm individual with a strong affection for her family, Johnson was a presence in her Brooklyn neighborhood. Her senseless killing stunned her loved ones and left them searching for answers.
Her mother, Delia Barry, spoke after the murder, demanding justice for her daughter. “She was a caring, giving person who didn’t deserve this,” Barry said.
People who knew Johnson said she was a diligent woman who put others before herself. She was a volunteer who volunteered frequently to assist those in need. Her killing shocked the community, with many shocked and frightened.
The Shocking Betrayal
What is most upsetting about this case is the dynamics between Johnson and her suspected killer. Claudia Banton was no random attacker but an old family friend of Johnson’s. The two women had known each other for years, so the killing was that much more unbelievable.
Prosecutors say Banton had a personal vendetta against Johnson, but the motive is not certain. Was it jealousy, resentment, or something more? Many are left speculating what would lead someone to kill a supposed friend in such a brutal manner.
Justice for Delia
Banton was eventually tracked down and arrested months after the murder. Authorities launched an extensive manhunt, scouring surveillance footage and following leads before finally locating her.
Now standing trial, she is accused of second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon. The courtroom was tense as prosecutors showed jurors the terrifying footage of Johnson’s last moments. Some onlookers gasped, others cried as they relived the terror of that day.
Prosecutors are keen to see Banton held responsible, with solid evidence against her. The defense, on the other hand, contends that Banton was acting in self-defense, a contention that has been met with doubt.
A City in Mourning
The death of Delia Johnson is a grim reminder that violence can and does happen despite being least expected. Her premature death left people in her neighborhood devastated, but friends and members of her family are bent on keeping her memory alive.
After Johnson’s demise, local activists called for heightened measures to deter gun violence within Brooklyn. In her honor, activists have protested and conducted vigils, denouncing stricter legislation of guns as well as increased measures of policing responses to help prevent such deaths from occurring again.
The Road to Justice
With each passing day during the trial, the emotions rise high. Countless people follow closely, holding out hope justice will be rendered in this sad case. The friends and relatives of Johnson just won’t stay quiet, and her story keeps being told.
If convicted, Banton will have a lengthy prison term. The trial is a poignant reminder of the way lives can quickly be destroyed by violence, and the importance of bringing justice to the victims such as Delia Johnson.
The citizens of Brooklyn and elsewhere stand with Johnson’s family, waiting for a verdict and praying for closure.
Interesting Fact: Do you know that more than 85% of New York City homicides are solved? This case, however, almost got away because of a vital misidentification.
Keep it locked for further developments on this startling case as the trial continues.
