Cop Killer Who Shot NYPD Officer Dies in Prison

Shatiek Johnson, who killed Officer Gerard Carter in 1998, passed away at Attica Correctional Facility after serving over 25 years.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:41pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge or handcuffs against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash to create a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic, conceptually representing the investigation and aftermath of a violent crime.The death of the cop killer who took Officer Gerard Carter's life brings a somber end to a tragic chapter in New York City's history.NYC Today

Shatiek Johnson, the man who fatally shot NYPD Housing officer Gerard Carter in 1998, has died while serving his prison sentence at Attica Correctional Facility. Johnson, who was 17 at the time of the crime, shot Carter at point-blank range as the officer and his partner were on patrol in a marked police van on Staten Island. Carter died days later, leaving behind his young son. Johnson had a violent criminal history, including beating a homeless man to death when he was 15 years old.

Why it matters

The death of Shatiek Johnson, the cop killer who took Officer Gerard Carter's life, brings closure to Carter's family and community. Carter's legacy will continue to be honored through a community center and street named after him, as his son and ex-wife express relief that they no longer have to worry about Johnson being released on parole.

The details

In 1998, 17-year-old Shatiek Johnson shot and killed NYPD Housing officer Gerard Carter at point-blank range as Carter and his partner were on patrol in a marked police van on Staten Island. Carter died days later, leaving behind his 7-year-old son. Johnson had a violent criminal history, including beating a homeless man to death when he was 15 years old. He avoided the death penalty, which was still in place in the 1990s, because of his young age.

  • On July 26, 1998, Shatiek Johnson shot and killed NYPD officer Gerard Carter.
  • Officer Carter died days after the shooting.
  • On Tuesday, Shatiek Johnson, now 45 years old, died while serving his prison sentence at Attica Correctional Facility.

The players

Shatiek Johnson

A violent criminal who, at age 17, shot and killed NYPD officer Gerard Carter in 1998. Johnson had a history of violence, including beating a homeless man to death when he was 15 years old.

Gerard Carter

A 28-year-old NYPD Housing officer who was shot and killed by Shatiek Johnson in 1998 while on patrol in a marked police van on Staten Island. Carter had served on the force for 5 years and left behind a young son.

Jozette Carter-Williams

The ex-wife of Officer Gerard Carter, who expressed relief that the man who killed her husband has now died in prison, so her son no longer has to worry about him being released on parole.

Louis

The young son of Officer Gerard Carter, who was only 7 years old when his father was killed. He has grown up to be an 'amazing man' despite the trauma of losing his father at a young age.

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What they’re saying

“I got to see him yesterday, and he just said, 'Mom, I'm just glad that it's over and we don't have to keep going to try to fight to keep him behind bars.'”

— Jozette Carter-Williams, Officer Gerard Carter's ex-wife

“Gerard's legacy will continue to shine, and it'll be impactful within his community, family and friends. We're always going to remain committed to his memory and his legacy, his life will continue to move forward today.”

— Jozette Carter-Williams, Officer Gerard Carter's ex-wife

The takeaway

The death of Shatiek Johnson, the cop killer who took Officer Gerard Carter's life, brings a sense of closure to Carter's family and community. Carter's legacy will continue to be honored through a community center and street named after him, as his son and ex-wife express relief that they no longer have to worry about Johnson being released on parole.