The man fatally shot during an exchange of gunfire in the parking lot of King’s Vape on Jefferson Street at 6 p.m. Saturday is identified as Donald King, Jr., 19. All of the three surviving parties involved have been identified and spoken with by Homicide Unit detectives.
King was one of three occupants in a Mitsubishi SUV that backed into a parking spot next to a Toyota Camry. During an interaction between those in the Mitsubishi and the lone occupant of the Camry, gunfire began between the group from the Mitsubishi and the driver of the Camry. King was critically wounded and was found by responding officers. He died shortly after arriving at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. King’s two friends, ages 16 and 20, fled in the Mitsubishi. The 20-year-old Camry driver fled in that car.
The two Mitsubishi occupants traveled to St. Thomas Midtown Hospital where the 20-year-old was treated for a gunshot wound to his shoulder. The 20-year-old Camry driver drove to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he was treated for a non-life threatening gunshot wound.
All three were taken to MNPD Headquarters. At this time no charges have been filed as the investigation continues and detectives make progress in determining who started shooting and why.
