A confrontation on Laconia Avenue NE in Roanoke, Virginia ended with the death of 22-year-old Donovan Leander St. Juste on the afternoon of February 20, 2025. St. Juste, a Black/African American male, was shot during an altercation that began when he drove up to a parked vehicle occupied by an adult man and a teenager. The dispute escalated around 2:41 p.m. and, according to preliminary reports, both men were reportedly armed and exchanged gunfire. St. Juste was pronounced dead at the scene.

The man and the teenager who were in the parked vehicle remained at the location and were detained for questioning, but both were released after interviews. No formal arrests have been announced. The Roanoke Police Department continues to investigate and plans to present the case to the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office for a decision on possible grand jury action. Any witnesses or anyone with information about the shooting is asked to come forward.