Woman receives 23-year sentence for fatal shooting of friend during vigil in Brooklyn.

Claudia Banton, a 46-year-old woman, has been sentenced to a term of 23 years to life in prison following her conviction for the execution-style murder of Delia Johnson, a longtime friend. The incident occurred in August 2021 on a Brooklyn sidewalk, where mourners had gathered to honor another friend by lighting candles at a vigil.

Just one day prior to the tragic event, Banton and Johnson had attended the same funeral service, interacting at the gathering. However, the situation took a deadly turn when they met again the following day in Crown Heights. In a shocking act of violence, Banton identified Johnson amid a crowd of mourners and shot her in the head, continuing to fire additional shots as Johnson collapsed to the ground.

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez characterized the shooting as a calculated and cold-blooded act that disrupted a solemn assembly, causing panic and fear among those present. Eyewitness accounts following the shooting initially misidentified the assailant as male, leading to a brief apprehension of Banton, who was stopped by police just blocks from the crime scene. However, she was released as her appearance did not match the provided description.

The police investigation advanced markedly after detectives reviewed surveillance footage capturing the moments leading up to the murder. This footage revealed Banton approaching Johnson from behind and delivering the fatal shots. In the ensuing months, police traced the getaway vehicle, a Mercedes-Benz, back to Banton. Ultimately, they apprehended her in Jacksonville, Florida, three months later and extradited her back to New York City for prosecution.

During the trial, jurors were presented with harrowing video evidence, which included the moments of the shooting and footage of responders attempting to revive Johnson. Despite the nature of the evidence, the motive behind the murder remains unclear. Prosecutors emphasized that this was not a crime of passion or a case of accidental discharge; rather, it was a premeditated act perpetrated against a woman seeking to mourn a friend.

The impact of the crime reverberated through Johnson’s family, who described Banton as a longstanding friend who was considered part of their family. The tragedy, which has taken a profound emotional toll, highlights the unexpected turn of events that can arise even in moments meant for remembrance and healing.

Banton’s actions have left a community in shock and have raised further discussions regarding issues of violence and safety in public spaces, particularly during moments of communal grief.