Monk sentenced to death for 2017 Pasquotank Correctional Institution murders

By Submitted Story on March 27, 2025

Third defendant in case to be give death penalty

(First Judicial District DA’s office)

Jonathan Michael Monk

On March 26, 2025, a Pasquotank County jury recommended four sentences of death for Jonathan Michael Monk in the Oct. 12, 2017, murders of Pasquotank Correctional Institution (PCI) employees Veronica Darden, Justin Smith, Geoffrey Howe and Wendy Shannon during a failed escape attempt.

Under North Carolina law, a jury in a capital murder trial “recommends” either a sentence of death, or life without the possibility of parole, based on their review of the facts and the law, however the Judge is required to accept the jury’s “recommendation”.

The trial was presided over by Pitt County Superior Court Judge Jeffery B. Foster. The prosecution team was comprised of Assistant District Attorneys Kim Pellini and Alexis Massengill, and Legal Assistant Hannah Gilroy. The defendant was sentenced by Judge Foster to four consecutive sentences of death. In addition to the four death sentences, the defendant was sentenced to five consecutive active sentences for Assault with a Deadly Weapon with the Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury to PCI employees Scott Stormer, Curtis Casper, Steve Sanders, Jerry Byrum and Timothy Lewis.

Additionally, the defendant received consecutive active sentences for Attempted 1st degree Murder of PCI employee George Midgett, Felony Burning a Public Building, Felony attempted Escape and Felony Riot.

District Attorney Jeff Cruden stated “the sentences imposed by Judge Foster are a testament to the savagery of the assaults committed by the defendant and his companions on the victims. Veronica Darden, Justin Smith, Geoffrey Howe and Wendy Shannon were people just like us, they woke that day and left their families to go to work to make a living, never to return home again. I am amazed at the resiliency of the victim’s families, and the survivors of that horrific day…I am also very proud of the members of my office. They worked tirelessly day and night to ensure that those that can no longer speak, have a voice and are remembered”

Two other individuals tried for PCI killings, Mikel Brady and Wisezah Buckman, have been tried, convicted and sentenced to death. Another defendant, Seth Frazier, is awaiting trial.