A tragic incident unfolded in Santa Monica, California, as a 39-year-old man, identified as Davon Durell Dean, allegedly shot a co-worker at a Santa Monica College (SMC) satellite campus. The incident led to a manhunt and the closure of all college campuses. The situation escalated when Dean was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a standoff in Hawthorne on Tuesday.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Santa Monica Police Department, surrounded Dean’s car on Aviation Boulevard, eventually discovering him deceased inside the vehicle. It was revealed that Dean was an employee at SMC and was linked to the shooting of a custodial operations manager at the SMC Center for Media & Design.
Dean had a history of arrests, including charges of attempted murder in 2011 and assault with a deadly weapon involving a firearm in 2019. Despite having convictions for misdemeanor property crimes, Dean’s actions shocked the community and prompted immediate response and support for the victim.
The investigation into the college shooting remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover the motive behind the assault. Although the incident was deemed isolated, all college campuses were closed as a precaution while Dean was being sought.
Chief Ramon Batista of the Santa Monica Police Department commended the efforts of law enforcement in swiftly addressing the situation and ensuring the safety of the community. Counseling and support services were made available to students and staff affected by the tragedy.
Employees and individuals with information about the shooting were urged to contact the Santa Monica Police Department. The college community was called upon to come together in kindness and compassion during this difficult time.
For emotional support, employees could reach out to the Employee Assistance Service for Education program, while students could utilize the resources provided by the SMC Center for Wellness and Wellbeing. A 24-hour student hotline was also made available for those in need.
