Pharrell says man killed in Virginia Beach shootings was his cousin
Pharrell Williams is mourning the loss of those killed in the Virginia Beach shootings, including one of the victims who he says was his cousin.
In an Instagram post shared Monday, the singer said his cousin was one of the two victims who lost their lives in the shootings that took place in the area late last Friday night.
"The loss of these lives is a tragedy beyond measure," wrote Pharrell while sharing a photo of his cousin sitting on a park bench. "My cousin Donovon was killed during the shootings. He was a bright light and someone who always showed up for others."
Added the Grammy winner: "It is critical my family and the other victims’ families get the transparency, honesty and justice they deserve."
While he didn't reveal any further details regarding the shooting, Pharrell expressed hope that some good will come from the tragedy.
"Virginia Beach is the epitome of hope and tenacity and, as a community, we will get through this and come out even stronger," he said.
According to a release issued by the Virginia Beach Police Department on Saturday, Donovon W. Lynch was 25 years old and died in "an officer-involved shooting." The police officer involved was not shot.
On Monday, the department shared another release stating that the officer involved in the shooting and an officer that witnessed the shooting both alleged that Lynch was "brandishing a handgun at the time of the shooting."
The firearm was recovered at the scene, according to the Virginia Beach Police Department.
The events that led to the shooting are part of the ongoing criminal investigation, and the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney will conduct a separate investigation into this incident, following the Virginia Beach Police Department's investigation.
Three separate shootings broke out in Virginia Beach on Friday and police have since arrested three male suspects ranging from 18 to 22 years old.
Police also identified Deshayla Harris, 29, as the second victim, who was identified as a bystander.
