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BEAUFORT, S.C. () — A murder suspect in the Lowcountry made a shocking admission just moments before day two of his trial Wednesday.
John Patrick Shea apologized to Jillian Angner’s family and pled guilty to murder in a Beaufort County courtroom Wednesday. The 29-year-old was accused of shooting and killing 25-year-old Agner in March of 2023.
He also pled guilty to the attempted murder of her young son, discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle and possession of a weapon during commission of a violent crime.
On March 2, 2023, Angner left her home to take her son to school when Shea opened fire on her car, hitting her several times, the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office said. She was placed on life support but never regained consciousness and died Aug. 5.
Her son wasn’t injured in the shooting, officials said. He escaped by crawling out of Angner’s Jeep and hid in a nearby marsh.
The 6-year-old was later able to corroborate key details with investigators.
Angner had reported multiple instances of stalking and break-ins at her home, allegedly committed by Shea, following their breakup in fall of 2022, the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office said
He was sentenced to life in prison by Circuit Court Judge S. Bryan Doby.
“This was a calculated and deeply disturbing act of violence,” said Hunter Swanson of the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, who prosecuted the case. “Today’s conviction cannot restore Jillian’s life, but it brings some measure of justice to her friends, family and young son. I hope this helps them heal.”
