A 37-year-old man will spend life in prison after murdering a woman who worked for Denver Public Schools for more than 20 years.

A Denver District Court jury found Donte Ellis guilty of first-degree murder in the death of 43-year-old Shayna Johnson Monday after a five-day trial, according to a news release from the Denver District Attorney’s Office.

Johnson was Ellis’ girlfriend and had worked for the Denver Public Schools for over 23 years, according to her obituary. She began as a special education teacher and later became a restorative practice coordinator with Castro Elementary School.

Ellis shot and killed Johnson in the 3100 block of West Ohio Avenue on Aug. 2, 2023 around 11:30 a.m. Johnson’s body was found in the driver’s seat of a crashed SUV, police said.

When officers arrived to the scene, Ellis was standing in the road in all black with a handgun in his hand, according to arrest records. Ellis had blood on his hands and pants.

Officers approached Ellis and demanded he dropped the gun and put his hands in the air. Ellis complied and told the officers that Johnson was already dead, according to arrest records.

The suspect pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, possession of a weapon by a previous offender and felony menacing with a weapon on May 15, 2023. He was acquitted on the latter charges.

Denver District Judge Eric Johnson immediately sentenced Ellis to life in prison without the possibility of parole after the verdict was announced Monday.

“Her co-workers remember her as always being full of life with an unforgettable smile and laugh,” Johnson’s obituary read. “She had a special touch when working with kids. She was awarded numerous teaching awards and accolades throughout her career.”

Johnson had two children and a grandchild, according to a GoFundMe that raised more than $9,000 for the children after her death.

“Shayna Johnson was a beloved mother and friend, and a dedicated special education coordinator who was passionately committed to improving the lives of her students. Her murder was a senseless act of violence. I hope this verdict provides a measure of comfort and a sense of closure to Shayna’s family, friends, students and colleagues, and to all those whose lives she touched,” District Attorney John Walsh said in the release.