Pharrell Williams’ Cousin Donovon Lynch Fatally Shot By Police In Series Of Virginia Beach Shootings

Pharrell Williams’ Cousin Donovon Lynch Fatally Shot By Police In Series Of Virginia Beach Shootings

Sad news for the family of Pharrell Williams and many others.

Donovon Lynch, a man identified as one of the victims in multiple shootings in Virginia Beach over the weekend, is the producer’s cousin.

Donovon Lynch and one other victim, 28-year-old Deshayla Harris, who starred in season 17 of Bad Girls Club, were killed in three separate shootings. Eight others were injured in the three shootings. Deshayla Harris was an innocent bystander at the scene of one of the shootings.

Deshayla Harris

Donovon Lynch, 25, was shot in the torso and thigh, the Virginia Office of the Chief Medical examiner confirmed. He died on the 300th block of 20th Street near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Friday (March 26th).

The shooting officer, whose identity hasn’t been made public, was in the area responding to other reports of gunfire. That officer and another policeman told homicide investigators that Lynch was carrying a handgun. A witness also said Lynch had a gun earlier in the evening. A weapon was recovered at the scene but no evidence links it to Lynch. In a previous press release, before he was identified, Lynch was described as an “armed citizen.”

It’s not clear what happened before shots were fired as the alleged shooting officer’s bodycam wasn’t activated.

Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate said during a press conference,

“The officer was wearing a bodycam, but for unknown reasons at this point in time, it was not activated.”

He continued,

“I do not have the answers that the community is looking for in regards to this death right now.”

The officer has been placed on administrative leave.

Pharrell Williams broke his silence on the loss on Instagram Monday (March 30th).

He shared a photo of Lynch and wrote the caption,

“The loss of these lives is a tragedy beyond measure. My cousin Donovon was killed during the shootings. He was a bright light and someone who always showed up for others. It is critical my family and the other victims’ families get the transparency, honesty and justice they deserve. Virginia Beach is the epitome of hope and tenacity and, as a community, we will get through this and come out even stronger.”

Prayers to everyone impacted by this tragedy.