Daniel Allen Shannon, a South Carolina inmate already serving a life sentence for a 2001 murder, has been handed another life sentence in federal court for orchestrating a murder from within prison walls. This second life sentence will only be enacted if Shannon is ever released from his current life-without-parole state sentence.
Shannon managed his criminal enterprise, a methamphetamine distribution ring, using illegal cellphones smuggled into the prison. He ordered the 2019 killing of Cletis "Eddie" Baker, believing Baker had robbed one of his drug runners. Baker was shot at a drug house, which was subsequently burned down, and his body was discovered miles away. The federal life sentence was connected to this killing.
South Carolina Department of Corrections Director Bryan Stirling highlighted this case as yet another example of the dangers of contraband cellphones in prisons. He has been advocating for over nine years for federal permission to jam cellphone signals within prisons, citing numerous instances of crimes orchestrated from behind bars, including a deadly 2018 prison riot and an extortion ring targeting individuals outside prison walls.
Shannon's criminal history is extensive. He was convicted in 2001 for kidnapping and murdering a restaurant manager after following him home from work. The victim was found taped to a chair, having been shot five times in the head. Shannon has also attempted to escape prison three times and has a record of disciplinary actions, including multiple instances of cellphone possession.
In addition to the life sentence, Shannon was ordered to forfeit over $127,000. U.S. Attorney for South Carolina Adair Boroughs emphasized the commitment to preventing inmates from using cellphones to commit further crimes.
Shannon's past includes a lawsuit against the prison system, alleging unfair treatment for his placement in maximum security. He claimed his rights were violated due to punishment for what he considered complaints, not threats, against prison staff. The lawsuit was dismissed due to Shannon's lack of response.
This image, provided by the South Carolina Department of Corrections, shows Daniel Shannon. He has received a federal life sentence for orchestrating a murder while serving a life sentence in state prison for a 2001 homicide.
