In the Central District of Seattle, a community mourned the loss of one of its brightest lights, D'Vonne Pickett Jr., a 31-year-old Black man who was a beloved husband, father of three, and business owner. On the evening of October 19, 2022, Pickett was fatally shot outside his shipping and mail services store, The Postman. He and his wife, KeAnna, had just arrived at their business when the tragic event unfolded.
As Pickett walked toward the front door, a gunman opened fire from behind some bushes. His wife, who was still in their vehicle, witnessed the horrific act and rushed to her husband's side while calling 911. Pickett was transported to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition but ultimately succumbed to his multiple gunshot wounds.
The investigation into Pickett's murder quickly led to a suspect, Ashton Christopher Lefall, who was a childhood friend of the victim. Pickett's wife identified Lefall to the police, stating that he had been harassing and threatening their family for the two years prior. In fact, just a month before the shooting, Pickett had filed a police report documenting the ongoing harassment from Lefall. The day after the shooting, Lefall was arrested by police and SWAT at a South Seattle apartment. At the time of his arrest, he was wearing clothing that matched the description of the shooter seen in surveillance footage.
Lefall's alleged violent actions were not limited to the murder of D'Vonne Pickett Jr. Investigators linked him to a string of other shootings in the days leading up to Pickett's death. These incidents included a robbery and shooting that critically injured another business owner and random shootings at vehicles. A relative of Lefall had even contacted 911 on the day of Pickett's murder to report concerns about his mental state, fearing he was having a "psychotic episode" and "may be traveling around Seattle shooting people." Lefall was charged with first-degree murder for the death of D'Vonne Pickett Jr., as well as multiple counts of first-degree assault, first-degree robbery, and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection with the other incidents. During his first court appearance, a judge ordered him to be held without bail, deeming him "incredibly dangerous." The courtroom was filled with raw emotion as Pickett's grieving family came face to face with the man accused of taking their loved one's life.
