Santa Monica, California – Authorities have confirmed that the suspect involved in a shooting at Santa Monica College died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a standoff with law enforcement in El Segundo. The incident, which took place on Monday evening at the SMC Center for Media & Design, involved the suspect, 39-year-old Davon Durell Dean, who was a worker at the college.
After a brief pursuit, officers from the Hawthorne Police Department cornered the suspect’s vehicle near El Segundo and Aviation boulevards on Tuesday. Despite efforts from crisis negotiators, the suspect was found deceased inside his car. Dean had a history of previous arrests, including one for attempted murder in 2011 and another for alleged assault with a deadly weapon in 2019, although his only convictions were for misdemeanor property crimes.
The victim of the shooting, a fellow employee of the college, remained in critical condition at the hospital as of Tuesday evening. Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista commended the detectives for their dedication in identifying and locating the suspect, emphasizing the commitment to the safety of the Santa Monica community remains a top priority.
The shooting incident prompted the closure of all Santa Monica College campuses, including the satellite campus on Stewart Street where the tragedy unfolded. College superintendent and president Kathryn E. Jeffery encouraged community members to utilize the counseling resources available at the school to cope with the traumatic event.
Chief of Police for the Santa Monica Community College District, Johnnie Adams, expressed gratitude towards all law enforcement personnel and partners involved in the apprehension of the suspect. Investigations into the events leading up to the shooting continue, with authorities indicating they do not believe there are additional suspects involved.
As the community tries to comprehend the workplace violence that transpired, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone affected by the tragic incident.