Donovan Spann, 18 – a senior at Burien’s New Start High School – was tragically killed in an accidental shooting on Friday night, March 10, Highline Public Schools announced Monday.
Another teenager has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting incident.
The King County Sheriff’s Office told The B-Town Blog Monday that shortly after 5 p.m. on Friday night, officers responded to reports of a shooting at a house in the 10200 block of 23rd Ct. SW in the White Center area (map below).
A few days ago the resident of the home left the 17-year old suspect to housesit. Prior to leaving, the homeowner – who had been burglarized recently – gave the suspect a gun.
Police say that Friday night, the suspect invited his friend Donovan over to hang out. They were playing with the gun, and according to the suspect, they decided to play Russian roulette. Unfortunately, the suspect fired the gun in the direction of the victim, striking him. The suspect called 911 quickly and patrol and fire responded but were unable to revive him.
The suspect was subsequently booked into the King County Youth Services Center for Investigation of Manslaughter 1st Degree. The case will be forwarded to the prosecutor for a filing decision.
Crisis team and counselors were available to support students at the high school on Monday.
“This is a truly tragic situation for all involved,” the district said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to Donovan’s family and everyone who is impacted by his death.”
A memorial fundraising page has been set up here:
https://www.youcaring.com/donovanspann-774334
“It’s with a heavy heart that I formally announce that my baby brother Donovan Spann was tragically taken from us last night,” his sister said on Facebook. “He was only 18 years old. At this time we are grieving as a family and we ask that you keep all rumors and details at bay. We will reveal the truth once the investigation is complete. Feel free to message us your condolences but we ask that the phone calls are kept to a minimum. We will announce details when they are ready. Please keep our family in your prayers. Thank you and God bless you all.”
Here’s more info from the fundraiser page:
“He was a bright eyed boy with a beautiful smile. His family loves him very much. Donovan left behind a loving mother, a devoted girlfriend, three caring sisters, one awesome older brother and many beloved nephews, nieces and cousins. He was loved and will be missed by many. We have no life insurance policy for him so we are setting up a fund to assist in the memorial arrangements and costs of time off work to grieve. Any donation will be helpful and if you can please share this. Thank you all of you for loving my brother. “
The B-Town Blog offers its deepest condolences to all affected by this tragedy.
What a sweet looking and dear young person to have his shining light to be extinguished so early. May he have eternal peace. I am so sorry for his loved ones.