By Lookout Staff

October 16, 2024 -- Santa Monica College (SMC) employee Felicia Hudson, who was shot Monday night by a co-worker at the School's Center for Media & Design, has died.

Hudson, 54, a custodial operations manager, died at approximately 5 p.m. on Wednesday from injuries sustained when she was shot by Davon Durell Dean, 39, a custodian at the college, according to police.

She was transported by first responders to a local area hospital shortly after the shooting took place at approximately 9:50 p.m. Monday and remained in critical condition.

Durrell, who fled the scene of the shooting, killed himself during a standoff with police in El Segundo Tuesday afternoon ("SMC Shooting Suspect Found Dead," October 16, 2024).

College police chief Johnnie Adams called the shooting a "horrific act of workplace violence."

The Santa Monica Police Department is leading the ongoing investigation, and "detectives are working to determine the full sequence of events leading to this tragedy," said SMPD spokesperson Lt. Erika Aklufi.

Police have not revealed a motive for the shooting. SMC officials said the college will be conducting a thorough review of the incident.

"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 SMC Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery.

"She took great pride in being a steadfast coworker and leader,” Jeffery said. “To Felicia’s family, loved ones and friends, SMC extends our heartfelt condolences and prayers.

"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 collaboration with Hudson’s family to "honor her life and legacy. foundation.smc.edu/felicia-hudson.

"Through this fund, her spirit will continue to uplift those in need," the funding page said.

Anyone with information about the incident should call SMPD at 310-458-8491.