Man receives maximum sentence for murder of two women

DAYTON, Ohio ( WDTN ) — A man found guilty of killing two women will serve the maximum sentence behind bars.

Thirty-four-year-old Deante Holden was sentenced Wednesday morning in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court. The courtroom was packed with family and friends on both sides as the judge sentenced Holden to 45 years to life in prison.

Last month, a jury found Holden guilty for the deaths of 38-year-old Felicia Brown and 44-year-old Michaela Daniels.

Police say the two women gave Holden a ride on Feb. 26, 2023, where they stopped at a gas station on West Third Street and Gettysburg Avenue. That’s when prosecutors say Holden shot both women and took off, before coming back to steal their phones.

Throughout the trial, Holden claimed self defense in killing the two women. During Wednesday’s sentencing, Judge Mary Wiseman called the murders “coldblooded executions, heinous in nature,” saying Holden’s self defense claim was jaw-dropping.

“Your self defense claim was, in my estimation, bogus and preposterous and added an additional insult to the tragedy and the harm that you have caused to these family members in this community,” said Judge Wiseman to Holden. “It is entirely possible that you will spend the rest of your natural life in the Ohio prison system.”

During his statement to the judge, Holden said he did what he had to do — and then issued an apology to the victim’s families.

“I’m sorry to the victims’ families for the pain that I caused toward them,” said Holden.

At the sentencing, Daniel’s daughter said no amount of apologies can replace her mom.

“I’m never going to get this kid to hug her and smell her and tell her that I love her,” said Ajanae Milliner, daughter of Daniels.

Daniels father spoke to 2 NEWS, saying what happened was senseless, but his daughter will not be forgotten.

“I always believed that they would find him guilty. It was a senseless act of violence against two women.” said Michael Adrian Daniels, father of Daniels. “My daughter’s resting in the arms of the Lord. He took away from us. He took the body away from us. He can never take her spirit.”

Judge Wiseman says Holden will not become eligible for parole until after he’s served 45 years. He was also ordered to pay restitution to cover the victim’s funeral expenses.

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