Emotions poured out in a Brooklyn courtroom Tuesday as a jury found Claudia Banton guilty on all charges, including murder and criminal possession of a weapon, for the 2021 point-blank shooting of Delia Johnson.

Gasps and tears filled the room as the verdict was read, marking the end of a trial that took unexpected turns—including a surprise witness who provided key testimony.

“It’s something I needed to hear. It’s been a hard road,” said Johnson’s mother, Delia Berry.

Prosecutors argued that Banton was the woman seen in surveillance video walking up to Johnson and shooting her in the head on a Crown Heights sidewalk.

The defense fought back, questioning inconsistencies in witness statements and evidence.

But a last-minute witness, who had not originally planned to testify, was a turning point.

“That was a very, very damaging testimony from a lifelong Blood gang member,” said defense attorney Jonathan Strauss, who expressed disappointment with the verdict.

Banton is scheduled to be sentenced on May 1. Strauss says he will review the trial for any errors and may request a new trial.

For Johnson’s family, the verdict offers some closure, though the pain remains.

“My daughter is gone, and she will never be able to come back,” Berry said. “Claudia is gone, too, but the difference is that she can still call her children.”