Baltimore resident Unique Thorne has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Shy’Keema Turner, an incident that was widely publicized after being captured on cellphone video.
The shooting occurred on March 18, 2025, on East Preston Street when Thorne was seen pursuing Turner while brandishing a firearm. Eyewitnesses recorded the confrontation, during which an onlooker can be heard encouraging Thorne to shoot.
As Turner attempted to flee towards Greenmount Avenue, Thorne fired a single shot, striking her in the back. Turner was transported to Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead at the age of 31.
During the sentencing hearing held by Baltimore Circuit Judge Kimberly C. McBride, Thorne expressed remorse, stating, “I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. I reacted to the situation without thinking.”
Thorne, 27, initially claimed that Turner had attacked her with a knife, which resulted in a minor injury to Thorne. Following the incident, she retrieved her firearm and shot Turner as the altercation escalated. After the shooting, Thorne was briefly released by police but later fled the state, ultimately being apprehended in Massillon, Ohio, by the U.S. Marshals Service.
Thorne pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and the use of a handgun in the commission of a violent crime. Under a plea agreement, she faced a potential sentence of 30 to 40 years. Assistant State’s Attorney Brent Weinberg argued for the maximum sentence, describing Thorne's actions as an act of vigilantism.
Family members of Turner attended the hearing wearing shirts that read “Justice For Keema,” with her mother, Saleema Turner, urging the court for the harshest penalty possible. “I can’t get my baby back,” she lamented.
Thorne’s attorney, John Hassett, portrayed her as a person who had lived a good life and claimed she acted out of fear after receiving threats. He requested a 30-year sentence, emphasizing Thorne's acceptance of responsibility for her actions.
Thorne’s husband, Deontay Thorne, who witnessed the shooting, pleaded with the judge for understanding, stating he is now raising their one-year-old son alone.
Reported by HarborBeat based on thebanner.com (source).
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