On a summer night in Wheeling, West Virginia, the life of Donaven J. White, a 24-year-old male, was tragically cut short. The date was June 13, 2020, and what began as a night out at Mac's Club on Edgington Lane descended into violence that would end in his death. White, who was originally from Wheeling but resided in Coshocton, Ohio, was at the club when a large fight broke out around 2 a.m. In the ensuing chaos, he was fatally shot.
When police arrived, they found White behind the bar, covered in blood. He was rushed to Wheeling Hospital but ultimately succumbed to his gunshot wound.
The investigation into the shooting moved swiftly as Wheeling police detectives reviewed eyewitness accounts and security camera footage. The video evidence was crucial, showing a man involved in the altercation leaving the bar and returning shortly after with a gun. The footage captured the moment White was shot before he crawled for cover behind the bar. The shooter, identified by tattoos on his shoulder, was seen fleeing the scene. A witness to the shooting, who was also injured in the mayhem, was able to identify the suspect as 27-year-old Darrell "D.J." Lesane Jr. of Wheeling through his Snapchat profile. Further investigation of Lesane's social media showed him in a similar outfit to the shooter and with matching tattoos. Police also found mail addressed to Lesane in the trash at a Wheeling Island residence linked to him. The motive for the initial fight remained unclear to investigators, and it was not known if White and Lesane had any prior relationship.
A warrant for first-degree murder was issued for Lesane, who was considered armed and dangerous. After a six-day search, Lesane turned himself in to the Wheeling Police. He was taken to the Northern Regional Jail and held without bond. In July 2021, Darrell Lesane Jr. pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of Donaven White and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Several other people in the club sustained minor injuries during the incident.
