Lenexa man pleads guilty in killing of wife, son, during police standoff
Todd Michael Donovan, 53, pleaded guilty in Johnson County court on Monday to two counts of first-degree murder. He was following the deaths of 52-year-old Sheila and 22-year-old Tyler Donovan.
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He was also was charged and pleaded guilty to one count of cruelty to animals after investigators say he shot and killed his neighbor's dog on the same night.
On Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, Lenexa police responded to the report of an 'armed disturbance' in the 7900 block of Hallet. Once they arrived, they heard multiple gunshots coming from the area of the residence.
Police said that, as officers arrived at the scene, multiple gunshots were heard coming from the home.
Communication with Donovan lasted two hours, before it stopped. He was eventually taken into custody just before 2 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.
Multiple firearms were recovered from the scene, along with two deceased individuals. The two victims were discovered when officers went to take Donovan into custody.
The Lenexa Police Department said there was no known history of domestic violence with Donovan and his family.
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He's scheduled for sentencing in Johnson County court on July 21.
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