Santa Monica College Shooting Suspect, Davon Durell Dean, Found Dead by Suicide in Hawthorne After Critically Injuring Coworker in Tragic Workplace Incident
In a shocking and tragic event, 39-year-old Davon Durell Dean, a Santa Monica College employee, was found dead in Hawthorne with a self-inflicted gunshot wound just hours after critically injuring a coworker in a workplace shooting at Santa Monica College. The shooting took place on Monday evening, October 14, 2024, at the college’s Center for Media and Design on Stewart Street, leaving the campus and surrounding community in a state of shock and mourning.
The incident unfolded just before 10 p.m., when Dean allegedly shot a custodial operations manager, whose identity has yet to be released, leaving the victim in critical condition. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital where they remain under intensive care, fighting for their life. As news of the shooting broke, students, staff, and faculty at Santa Monica College were left reeling, struggling to comprehend how such a violent act could have occurred within the campus walls.
Dean, who had a troubled past with multiple arrests for violent offenses, was later found in Hawthorne, where he had fled after the shooting. According to authorities, Dean was located on Tuesday morning, approximately 12 hours after the shooting, with a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound. His death has brought a grim end to a rapidly unfolding investigation that has left law enforcement, the college community, and the public searching for answers.
Dean’s Troubled Past and Criminal History
As details about Dean’s background emerged, it became clear that the suspect had a long history of violent behavior. Dean, who had been employed by Santa Monica College for several years, had a criminal record that included arrests for attempted murder in 2011 and assault with a deadly weapon in 2019. Despite these serious charges, Dean had only been convicted of misdemeanor property crimes, leading to questions about how someone with such a troubled past was able to work at a public institution.
According to sources familiar with the case, Dean’s prior arrests did not lead to felony convictions due to lack of sufficient evidence, and in some instances, charges were dropped altogether. However, his history of violent behavior and his recent mental health struggles raised red flags for those who knew him, though no one expected that his issues would culminate in such a horrific act of violence.
Dean’s coworkers have described him as a quiet but unpredictable person, noting that he kept to himself and rarely engaged in conversations with others. While some have said that he appeared to be a diligent worker, others expressed concerns about his temper and his tendency to lash out under pressure. It remains unclear what led to the shooting, but investigators believe that there may have been an ongoing dispute between Dean and the custodial operations manager who became his victim.
The Night of the Shooting: A Workplace Turned Tragic
The shooting at Santa Monica College’s Center for Media and Design has sent shockwaves through the community. According to witnesses, the attack took place in a relatively quiet area of the building, just before 10 p.m., when only a few staff members were still on campus. The victim, a well-respected member of the custodial staff, had reportedly been working late when the confrontation with Dean occurred.
Details about what exactly transpired in the moments leading up to the shooting are still being pieced together by investigators, but it is believed that Dean and the victim had an altercation that quickly escalated into violence. Dean, armed with a handgun, shot the victim multiple times before fleeing the scene. The sounds of gunfire echoed through the building, prompting the few remaining staff members to call 911.
Santa Monica Police were on the scene within minutes, securing the building and treating the victim before transporting them to the hospital. The college was immediately placed on lockdown as authorities launched a manhunt for Dean, who had already fled the area by the time police arrived. Despite the efforts of law enforcement, Dean managed to evade capture for several hours before being found dead in Hawthorne.
Dean Found Dead in Hawthorne: A Grim End to a Tragic Case
On Tuesday morning, approximately 12 hours after the shooting, Dean was found dead in Hawthorne from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police had been actively searching for Dean since the moment they arrived on campus and quickly identified him as the suspect based on witness statements and security footage.
Dean’s body was found in a parked car near a residential neighborhood in Hawthorne, about 15 miles from Santa Monica College. Law enforcement officials believe that after fleeing the campus, Dean drove to this location where he ultimately took his own life. A firearm was recovered at the scene, matching the description of the weapon used in the shooting.
Dean’s suicide has left many unanswered questions, particularly regarding his motive and the events leading up to the shooting. Investigators are currently combing through his personal and professional life to determine what may have triggered the violent outburst, but so far, no clear motive has been identified. What is known, however, is that Dean had been struggling with personal and mental health issues in recent months, which may have contributed to his actions.
Impact on Santa Monica College and the Community
The shooting at Santa Monica College has had a profound impact on the campus community, leaving students, staff, and faculty grappling with feelings of fear, anger, and sadness. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, the college was placed on lockdown, and all classes and activities were canceled as a precautionary measure. While the lockdown has since been lifted, the emotional toll of the incident remains.
College President Kathryn Jeffers addressed the community in a statement, expressing her condolences to the victim and their family while also offering support to those affected by the shooting. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and their family during this incredibly difficult time,” Jeffers said. “We are doing everything we can to provide support to our students and staff as we navigate the aftermath of this tragic event.”
Counseling services have been made available to all students and staff in the wake of the shooting, with many struggling to come to terms with what happened. For those who worked closely with both the victim and the suspect, the incident has been particularly difficult to process. Many have expressed shock that such a violent act could occur on campus, a place that is typically seen as a safe space for learning and growth.
In addition to the emotional impact, the shooting has raised serious concerns about workplace safety and security at Santa Monica College. The fact that Dean, who had a history of violent behavior, was able to work on campus has prompted questions about the school’s hiring practices and background check policies. College administrators have vowed to review their procedures and to take steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Ongoing Investigation and Unanswered Questions
While Dean’s death has brought an end to the immediate threat, the investigation into the shooting is far from over. Law enforcement officials are continuing to gather evidence, including interviewing witnesses and reviewing security footage, to piece together a full picture of what happened. Investigators are also looking into Dean’s past, including his history of arrests and his recent mental health struggles, to determine whether there were any warning signs that could have prevented the tragedy.
One of the key questions that remains unanswered is what led Dean to target his coworker. While there are reports of tension between the two, no specific details about the nature of their relationship have been released. Investigators are also looking into whether Dean had any additional grievances or whether the shooting was the result of a spontaneous outburst of violence.
As the investigation continues, many in the Santa Monica College community are left grappling with feelings of grief and uncertainty. The shooting has shattered the sense of safety that many students and staff once felt on campus, and it may take time for the community to heal.
Remembering the Victim
As of now, the name of the victim has not been released, but they are being remembered as a dedicated member of the custodial staff who was well-liked by their colleagues. Friends and coworkers have expressed their sadness and disbelief at the senseless violence that left the victim fighting for their life.
For the family of the victim, the past few days have been a nightmare, as they await updates on their loved one’s condition. The community has rallied around them, offering support and prayers as they navigate this difficult time. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover the victim’s medical expenses, and the response from the public has been overwhelming.
Moving Forward
In the days and weeks to come, Santa Monica College will face the difficult task of moving forward from this tragic incident. The shooting has left a lasting mark on the campus, but the community is determined to come together in support of one another.
As the investigation continues, there is hope that answers will emerge, providing some sense of closure to those affected by the tragedy. In the meantime, the focus remains on supporting the victim and their family, as well as ensuring that the campus is a safe and secure place for everyone who calls it home.
The tragic shooting at Santa Monica College is a reminder of the importance of mental health support, workplace safety, and the need for vigilance in identifying and addressing potential threats before they escalate into violence. For now, the community grieves, but they also look ahead, determined to rebuild and to honor the lives forever changed by this devastating event.
