Pharrell Williams is calling for justice after his cousin was killed in one of a string of shootings in Virginia Beach on Friday. Taking to Instagram, the singer mourned the death of Donovon Lynch, 25, while also asking that the victims' families get the "honesty" and "transparency" they deserve.
"The loss of these lives is a tragedy beyond measure," Williams captioned a photo of his cousin. "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."
Lynch played as an offensive lineman for the University of Virginia's College at Wise during the 2017 and 2018 seasons, according to Sky News. He graduated in 2019.
Williams' cousin is one of two people to be killed in the Virginia Beach shootings. He died in what police have described in an update as an "officer-involved shooting incident" in the 300 block of 20th Street.
According to witnesses, Lynch was "brandishing a handgun" at the time of the shooting, which was recovered at the scene, authorities reported. No further details were provided and law enforcement officials explained that "specific actions which resulted in the shooting are part of the ongoing criminal investigation."
However, according to Sky News, police initially said an officer "encountered an armed citizen" and shot the 25-year-old, later revealed as Lynch. The officer who shot him was reportedly wearing a body camera that for "unknown reasons" was not activated. The officer, who has worked at the department for five years, has been placed on administrative leave.
Reality TV star Deshayla Harris of "Bad Girls Club" fame was the second victim to die. The 28-year-old was a bystander at a second shooting that took place in the 300 block of 19th Street. Several others were injured in the first shooting that occurred in the 2000 block of Atlantic Avenue.
Three people were arrested in connection with the first shooting. Ahmon Jahree Adams, 22, of Chesapeake, Virginia; Nyquez Tyyon Baker, 18, of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Devon Maurice Dorsey Jr., 20, of Virginia Beach are each facing seven counts of felonious assault, use of a firearm in commission of a felony and reckless handling of a firearm.
Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.