Cell Phone Evidence Helps Secure Murder Conviction

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Major Crimes Unit obtained convictions against a woman who shot and killed her boyfriend when he broke up with her.  Shanida Nico Holland, 44, was convicted of First Degree Murder, Tampering with Evidence, and False Report.  Judge Scott Green ordered Holland into custody, imposed a life sentence on the murder count, and set the case for sentencing on January 6 on the remaining counts.

In a four-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys Joanie Stewart and Franklin Ammons explained to the jury that on September 17, 2020, Knoxville Police Department Investigator Robert Cook responded to a shooting call at the Southside Flats Apartments.  At the scene, officers encountered Holland who denied knowing anything about how her boyfriend ended up shot and killed in his apartment.  Inv. Cook was able to learn that Holland had shot the victim on a previous occasion during a domestic altercation.  With the assistance of the TBI Cybercrimes and Digital Forensics Unit, investigators were able to recover cell phone video from the victim’s phone showing Holland kicking the door into the apartment shortly before the shooting.  In other recordings, Holland stated that she will shoot the victim again.  Another video taken by the victim shows Holland in possession of a firearm within minutes of the shooting.

“This prosecution was possible because of the partnerships between law enforcement agencies that allowed us to recover this critical cell phone evidence,” said DA Charme Allen.

Holland was sentenced to life in prison on the First Degree Murder count, meaning she must serve at least fifty-one years in prison before she can meet with the parole board.  Tampering with Evidence is a Class C felony that carries a punishment of three to six years.  False Report is a Class D felony carrying a punishment of two to four years.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.