Santa Monica College employee dies after being shot by coworker on campus

The Santa Monica College employee who was shot by a coworker on campus has died from her injuries Wednesday night.

She was identified as Felicia Hudson, 54, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.

Hudson was a long-time employee of the school and worked as a custodial operations manager. She was originally from Newman, Georgia.

On Oct. 14, Hudson was working at the college’s Center for Media and Design satellite campus when at around 9:15 p.m., she was shot by another employee.

The gunman, Davon Durell Dean, 29, fled the campus after the shooting, leaving Hudson in critical condition. She was rushed to the hospital with severe injuries and later died on Wednesday night.

“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic loss of our colleague Felicia Hudson, who served the college for nearly three decades with dedication and heart,” said Santa Monica College President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery. “She took great pride in being a steadfast coworker and leader.” 

On Tuesday afternoon, the suspect’s vehicle was spotted by police in El Segundo. Following a short pursuit, he was eventually boxed in and surrounded by SWAT vehicles.

Despite attempts by negotiators for a peaceful surrender, he eventually shot and killed himself inside his car, police said. 

The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, but investigators believe Hudson was targeted in a case of workplace violence. The circumstances surrounding her connection to Dean remain under investigation.

Police said Dean “had a history of arrests including for attempt murder in 2011 and an assault with a deadly weapon, a firearm, in 2019. His only convictions were for misdemeanor property crimes.”

All Santa Monica College campuses were closed on Tuesday as police investigated the incident.

With over 25,000 students enrolled at the college’s six satellite campuses, police have deployed extra patrols on campus while urging students and staff to stay at home.

Campus staff and administrators are mourning Hudson’s death while the incident remains under investigation. 

“To Felicia’s family, loved ones and friends, SMC extends our heartfelt condolences and prayer,” Jeffery said. “The college will be conducting a thorough review of this incident. SMC is providing crisis counseling services to employees and students as we grieve our irreplaceable colleague.”

The Santa Monica College Foundation has established a legacy fund in her honor, in collaboration with Hudson’s family which can be found here.