Judy Lynn Davenport, aged 66, and her husband, David Lee Davenport, both passed away on March 22, 2018, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Judy was born on March 17, 1952, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to Edward and Dorothy Gudovich. She married David on September 19, 1992. Judy had a distinguished career at Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico, from 1979 until her retirement in 2011.
She was also a prolific artist, creating works in various mediums, including stained glass, quilting, and canvas paintings, often focusing on wildlife and nature. Judy and David were known for their love of wildlife, having helped build bear cages for the Espanola Wildlife Center and rescuing two orphaned lion cubs. They were also involved in public art projects, including mural work at the Corrales Recreation Center and a team sculpture displayed at the Museum of Natural History in Albuquerque.
On the evening of March 22, 2018, Stephen Davenport, the son of Judy and David, called 911 to report that he had killed someone and was going to kill himself. When officers arrived at the family's home in Albuquerque, they found Stephen deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. They also discovered the bodies of Judy and David, who had been fatally shot. The Albuquerque Police Department conducted an investigation into the deaths. The investigation revealed that Stephen Davenport had been living with his parents and had a history of mental health issues. It was determined that Stephen shot and killed his parents before taking his own life. No other suspects were involved in the incident.
The tragic deaths of Judy and David Davenport were deeply mourned by their family, friends, and the community. A memorial gathering was held on April 5, 2018, at French Funerals & Cremations in Albuquerque, where family and friends shared memories of their lives. In lieu of flowers, the family requested that memorial contributions be made to the Nature Conservancy Worldwide Office in Arlington, Virginia.
Judy and David Davenport are remembered for their contributions to the community, their love of wildlife, and their artistic talents. Their untimely deaths serve as a poignant reminder of the impact of mental health issues on families and the importance of seeking help and support.
