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ELIZABETH CITY – Last week, Jonathan Michael Monk became the third of four Pasquotank Correctional Institution (PCI) inmates to receive the death penalty for the brutal murders of four PCI employees in 2017.

Following deliberation, a Pasquotank County jury recommended four sentences of death for Monk in the October 12, 2017 murders of 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 same jury convicted Monk last week of all 13 charges brought against him, to include the four counts of first-degree murder. In addition to the death sentences, Monk was sentenced to 60 to 81 years for attempted first degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill by inflicting serious injury, felony burning a public building, felony attempted escape, and felony riot.

The trial, as well as the sentencing phase, was presided over by Pitt County Superior Court Judge Jeffery B. Foster.

“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,” stated Jeffrey J. Cruden, District Attorney of the First Prosecutorial District.

“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,” Cruden added. “I am amazed at the resiliency of the victim’s families, and the survivors of that horrific day, to stay the course to ensure that justice is served, and those responsible are held accountable. 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.”

The prosecution team was comprised of Assistant District Attorneys Kim Pellini and Alexis Massengill, and Legal Assistant Hannah Gilroy.

On Oct. 12, 2017, several inmates ignited a fire inside PCI’s Specialty Sewing Plant as a diversion. The inmates then attacked responding corrections officers with hammers and scissors obtained in the sewing plant. Prison personnel and responding fire department crews were able to bring the fire under control and prevent the escape.

Nine other prison employees and four inmates were injured during the incident.

In addition to Monk, the other inmates charged with first-degree murder in connection with the incident are Mikel Brady, Seth J. Frazier, and Wisezah Buckman.

Buckman and Brady were previously convicted and sentenced to death. Frazier’s court case is scheduled this month.