Man Shoots Pregnant Girlfriend in Head in Front of Three Children

Published: Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 6:05 am

Massachusetts Man Sentenced to Decades in Prison for Shooting Pregnant Girlfriend

A Massachusetts man, Shaun Holiday, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for the attempted murder of his pregnant girlfriend. The sentencing, handed down by a superior court judge, follows Holiday's conviction on multiple serious charges stemming from the brutal attack.

The incident occurred on September 8, 2020, when Holiday shot Amanda Holyoke in the head at close range. Holyoke, who was 27 weeks pregnant with Holiday's child at the time, miraculously survived the attack but was left permanently blind. The shooting took place in the presence of three children.

Holiday was convicted on charges including armed assault in a dwelling, armed home invasion, assault and battery on a pregnant person, armed assault with intent to murder, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The court sentenced Holiday to a combined term of 30 to 40 years in a state correctional facility. The sentences are to be served consecutively.

According to the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office, officers responded to a 911 call reporting a gunshot wound. Upon arrival, they found Holyoke inside the building. Holiday was not present at the scene initially but was later found nearby with a gunshot wound to his left forearm.

Investigators used witness interviews, video surveillance, and GPS data to reconstruct the events. They determined that Holiday gained access to the apartment and shot Holyoke in the head with a .40 caliber firearm. The bullet exited her left temple and lodged in Holiday's forearm.

Holiday fled the scene after the shooting but returned shortly after. In addition to the charges related to the shooting, Holiday was also convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm, aggravated assault and battery, unlawful possession of ammunition, reckless endangerment of a child, and intimidation of a witness. The latter charge stems from Holiday's alleged attempts to prevent Holyoke from testifying against him. Following his release, Holiday will be on probation, prohibited from contacting the victim without court authorization, and required to wear a GPS tracking device and undergo mental health evaluations.

BNN's Perspective: This case highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable. The severity of the sentence reflects the gravity of the crime and the lasting impact on the victim and the children involved. While the justice system has delivered a significant punishment, the long-term effects of this act will undoubtedly continue to impact all involved.

Keywords: Massachusetts, shooting, pregnant, girlfriend, prison, sentence, conviction, assault, battery, children, domestic violence, attempted murder, armed assault, home invasion, blindness, probation, GPS tracking, firearm, witness intimidation, Brockton Police Department

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