Davon Durell Dean Obituary, Death – A Santa Monica College employee shot a coworker on Monday, critically injuring them, before taking his own life a day later when authorities located him in Hawthorne, according to officials. The deceased suspect was identified on Tuesday night as 39-year-old Davon Durell Dean, who had a history of arrests but no convictions for violent crimes.
The shooting occurred shortly before 10 p.m. on Monday at the college’s Center for Media and Design located on Stewart Street. The victim, whose name has not been released, served as the custodial operations manager and was hospitalized in critical condition following the incident.
Santa Monica College Police Chief Johnnie Adams described the shooting as a “horrific act of workplace violence” and emphasized that it was not a random act. The investigation quickly led Santa Monica police detectives to identify Dean as the shooter.
On Tuesday afternoon, Hawthorne police officers spotted Dean’s vehicle near El Segundo Boulevard and Aviation Boulevard. After a brief pursuit, law enforcement used a PIT maneuver to bring his car to a stop. Following this, a barricade situation developed, during which Dean reportedly turned his gun on himself.
SWAT officers maintained a cautious stance after hearing the gunfire. They remained in their armored vehicle while using a long tool to break a window of Dean’s car in order to retrieve the weapon before confirming that he was deceased.
Records show that Dean had been arrested previously for attempted murder in 2011 and for assault with a deadly weapon involving a firearm in 2019. However, police confirmed that his criminal record only includes misdemeanor property crimes.
As a precautionary measure, all seven Santa Monica College campuses were closed on Tuesday. In a message to the school community, SMC Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery expressed condolences and announced that the college would offer counseling and emotional support services to help the community cope with the tragedy. “At this heartbreaking time, I urge us all to come together in kindness and compassion as we navigate this unspeakable tragedy,” she stated.
Local residents expressed their shock at the incident, although many did not feel an increased sense of danger in the neighborhood. One resident commented on the tragedy, saying, “What happened here obviously is a tragedy, wherever it happens. But living in the area and being a neighbor and walking through this neighborhood regularly, I always feel safe. I never feel unsafe. I don’t think this will change that.”
As the investigation continues, the community grapples with the aftermath of this shocking event, and efforts to provide support to those affected are underway. The college and local authorities are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff in light of this traumatic incident.