Woman Sentenced to Life for Killing Father

Shanelle Reed claims she did not intend to kill her father during their argument

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:07pm

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Shanelle Reed, 38, was sentenced to life in prison for the first-degree murder of her 59-year-old father, Brian Reed, on January 28, 2025. Reed was found guilty three months earlier and claimed she only shot her father but did not intend to kill him during their argument.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities of domestic violence, mental health, and the criminal justice system's response to violent crimes within families. It raises questions about the circumstances that can lead to such tragic outcomes and whether the system is equipped to provide appropriate interventions.

The details

According to court records, police responded to a reported shooting on January 28, 2025, where they found Brian Reed suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital but later pronounced dead. Shanelle Reed was arrested at the scene. She testified that she and her father had been arguing and that she had called police twice earlier that day for a family disturbance and an alleged assault.

  • On January 18, 2025, police responded to the residence twice for a family disturbance and an alleged assault.
  • On January 28, 2025, police responded to a reported shooting where they found Brian Reed suffering from a gunshot wound. He was later pronounced dead.

The players

Shanelle Reed

A 38-year-old woman who was sentenced to life in prison for the first-degree murder of her 59-year-old father, Brian Reed.

Brian Reed

Shanelle Reed's 59-year-old father, who was fatally shot by his daughter on January 28, 2025.

Judge Troy Hill

The Baltimore City Circuit Court judge who sentenced Shanelle Reed to life in prison for first-degree murder and a concurrent five years without parole for using a firearm to carry out the crime.

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What they’re saying

“Yes I shot him, but I did not kill him.”

— Shanelle Reed

What’s next

Shanelle Reed will be added to the Gun Offender Registry as part of her sentence.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for better support systems and intervention strategies to address domestic violence and mental health issues within families before they escalate to such devastating outcomes.