A Vallejo family is mourning the loss of 32-year-old Devaughn McBride, a U.S. Postal Service worker who was fatally shot Tuesday morning outside the apartment complex where he lived with his family.
The shooting happened shortly before 8:30 a.m. on October 6 in the 200 block of Marin Street near Curtola Parkway. Police found McBride suffering from gunshot wounds, and he was transported to a hospital, where he later died. Authorities are investigating the shooting as a homicide.
McBride Was Heading to Work
According to family and friends, McBride had recently become a permanent USPS employee and was wearing his postal uniform when he was shot.
Family members told KTVU that McBride had stepped outside the apartment complex, where he lived with his mother and younger brother, to make his usual stop at a nearby corner store for a drink and snacks before heading to work.
A friend described McBride, who was affectionately known as “Buddha,” as quiet and laid-back.
“He wasn’t a loud or rambunctious person. He minded his own business. Go to work. Go home,” the friend said.
McBride’s family said they were told he was shot by someone in a vehicle. A neighbor reported seeing a first responder attempting to revive him the scene.
Family Questions Why He Was Targeted
McBride’s loved ones say they are struggling to understand why anyone would want to harm him.
His aunt told KTVU that the family believes McBride may have been the victim of mistaken identity, but police have not confirmed that theory or released a motive for the shooting.
“There is no criminal activity, period,” his aunt said, describing the shooting as completely out of character for McBride.
McBride leaves behind his mother, younger brother and a 12-year-old son. Family members also remembered him as someone who was close with his brother and enjoyed playing video games.
Police Investigating Possible Connection to Another Shooting
McBride’s killing was one of two shootings reported in Vallejo within roughly 20 minutes Tuesday morning.
At about 8:03 a.m., police responded to the area of Springs Road and Castlewood Drive, where a man was found suffering from a gunshot wound after his vehicle crashed into another vehicle. He was hospitalized in critical condition.
Police have not confirmed whether the two shootings are connected, although investigators are looking into the possibility. A separate fatal traffic collision that occurred between the two shootings was determined to be unrelated to the gun violence.
McBride’s death marks the ninth homicide in Vallejo this year, according to police. The investigation remains active, and authorities have not publicly identified a suspect or announced any arrests.
A memorial has since been established near the location where McBride was killed as family, friends and members of the community mourn his loss.
Y’all Know What sends our deepest condolences to Devaughn McBride’s family, friends, co-workers and loved ones. May his memory continue to live on through the people who knew and loved him.
Stay tuned to Y’all Know What for more breaking news and stories impacting our communities.
