A convicted cop killer responsible for the 1998 murder of NYPD Housing Officer Gerard Carter has passed away while incarcerated, correctional authorities report. The shooter, Shatiek Johnson, died at the age of 45 after spending over a quarter of a century in Attica Correctional Facility, as confirmed by the state’s Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

The cause of Johnson’s death remains unknown as officials await the results of a toxicology report, law enforcement sources indicate. The incident that led to his incarceration occurred when Johnson, at just 17, approached Officer Carter and his partner. The officers were on duty in a marked police van near a Staten Island housing complex on July 26, 1998, when Johnson shot Carter at close range.

Officer Carter succumbed to his injuries a few days later, leaving behind a young son who was merely seven years old at the time. Carter had dedicated five years to serving the police force.

Reflecting on Johnson’s death, Carter’s former wife, Jozette Carter-Williams, shared with the Staten Island Advance that she believes Carter’s memory can now live on without the worry of Johnson ever being released on parole, a concern that lingered for their son.

Carter died days later, leaving behind his young son, who was only seven years old. He had served on the force for five years.

Carter’s ex-wife, Jozette Carter-Williams, told the Staten Island Advance that with Johnson’s death, she believes Carter’s legacy can endure without his son worrying about if the cop killer would be freed by the state’s parole board one day.

“He grew up to be an amazing man, but no one knew what he was dealing with internally because Gerard was his best friend,” she said of her now adult son Louis.

“I got to see him yesterday, and he just said, ‘Mom, I’m just glad that it’s over and we don’t have to keep going to try to fight to keep him behind bars.’”

Johnson also beat a homeless man to death when he was just 15 years old, and only served two years in prison. The Blood gang member was also accused of shooting a rival gang member.

The violent teen avoided the possibility of the death penalty – that was still in place statewide in the 1990s – because he was too young to be executed.

A community center in Carter’s name opened in 2011 and is located in the Stapleton neighborhood on Staten Island. The slain officer also has a street named after him.

“Gerard’s legacy will continue to shine, and it’ll be impactful within his community, family and friends. We’re always going to remain committed to his memory and his legacy, his life will continue to move forward today,” Carter-Williams told the Staten Island Advance.