Emotions run high as fatal shooting suspect first emerges
The King County Jail Court was emotional as the suspect in the death of a beloved Seattle business owner made his first court appearance. The suspect, Ashton Lefall, is charged with killing D’Vonne Pickett Jr. In Central on Wednesday.
Seattle – The King County Jail Court was emotional as the suspect in the death of a beloved Seattle business owner made his first court appearance. The suspect, Ashton Lefall, is charged with killing D’Vonne Pickett Jr. In Central on Wednesday.
On Friday, a judge found probable grounds to keep Lefall in custody without bail because the charges he faced in Pickett’s death included first-degree murder.
He was also charged with other crimes in Seattle and faces two counts of assault, robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm.
The pain, anger and heartache of Pickett’s family in court is chilling. It was the first time Pickett’s mother, sisters and loved ones had come face to face with the suspect since his death. They let the blame run as tears rolled down their faces.
“He was a coward! He killed my only son! In front of his place of business! He killed my child!” screamed Pickett’s mother, Nicky Chappell.
Pickett’s devastating loss was all the more painful for his family, as Pickett and LeFalre had been childhood friends.
“I used to have that boy at home. I fed him. He called me mom. He shot my baby in the back. He took him away from us. I’ll never see my baby again. Again . Again this is what I got. I’m hurt,” Chappell sobbed.
The grieving mother said Lefal had been a problem for the family for the past two years, claiming he had been harassing and stalking them. Pickett filed a police report with Lefall in September, she said.
“He was definitely for my son,” Chappell said.
Pickett was shot multiple times Wednesday at his own company mail carrier in Central Seattle. He created the mail service store in memory of his late great-grandfather who worked in the mail service industry for decades.
Court documents say Pickett’s wife was sitting in her car shortly before the shooting when she saw LeFal reaching for the store door. She was “asked about anyone who would harm Devon, and she determined that Ashton Le Faure had repeatedly threatened Devon and her family, including her,” the document said.
“I believe he was somewhere waiting and watching,” Chappell said.
Now, Pickett’s family wants to know what their lives would be like without him.
“My mom lost her only son. The man in the house, the man in the house. It’s not fair. Where do we go from here? How do we put the pieces together?” De’Auz’ Janae Pickett, Pickett’s two sisters and Daz’Wonique Morris cried.
Community honors legacy of beloved business owner killed in Mid-Seattle
More than just a successful businessman – Pickett is a devoted father, husband, youth sports coach, Seattle University student-athlete, and has played professional basketball internationally. His mother’s cries echoed through the street Thursday as she stood in front of the memorial, unable to believe her son and all his achievements would be a memory.
The family said they have found some comfort and healing from a lot of support and community. From the growing number of monuments outside his business to candlelight vigils, the family say the light Pickett instilled in so many people will shine forever.
“I know my brother is happy because that’s what he wants. He wants his legacy to be influential, that’s what it is,” De’Auz’Janae said.
“My brother never has a boring moment. My brother is the heart of the table. He brings all the energy, the positivity. He brings light to the show. Everything I know, everything I push is because My brother,” said Pickett’s youngest sister, D’Ajere Morris.
“Half human, half amazing. Devon Pickett Jr. will live on,” Chappell cried.
Pickett is remembered as a devoted father and husband, successful business owner, Seattle University star athlete, youth sports coach and dedicated leader in his community.
The next court hearing for the Lefall suspect is scheduled for October. twenty four.