In Lenexa, Kansas community, a 54-year-old man will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars after pleading guilty to a deadly domestic shooting that claimed the lives of his wife, son, and a neighbor’s dog.
Todd Donovan was sentenced on Tuesday to a “Hard 50” prison term, meaning he will not be eligible for parole for 50 years, after pleading guilty in April to two counts of first-degree murder and one count of animal cruelty.
The violent incident unfolded on the evening of Friday, November 1, when officers from the Lenexa Police Department responded to reports of an “armed disturbance” at a residence in the 7900 block of Hallet Street.
Upon arrival around 8:20 p.m., officers reportedly heard multiple gunshots erupting from within the home. What followed was an hours-long standoff involving Donovan, who refused to surrender despite ongoing communication with crisis negotiators.
“Lenexa officers spoke on the phone with the individual suspected of firing shots, an adult male, and learned he was inside his residence,” the department stated. However, Donovan “refused to comply with officer’s requests to come outside peacefully,” and later ceased communication altogether.
By 1:50 a.m., more than five hours after the initial call, a tactical unit entered the residence after Donovan went silent. Authorities found him inside and transported him to a hospital for what was described as a possible drug overdose—he had reportedly consumed approximately 30 Ambien pills.
Inside the home, police discovered the bodies of Sheila Donovan, 52, and her 22-year-old son, Tyler Donovan. Both had suffered fatal gunshot wounds. Additionally, investigators confirmed that a neighbor’s dog had also been shot and killed during the spree.
Court records revealed disturbing insights into Donovan’s mental state and behavior during the standoff. According to CBS affiliate KCTV, before cutting off communication, Donovan had briefly exited the house, raised his hands, and threw a rifle out of his garage. He then reentered his home, claiming he needed medication to calm down.
Authorities monitoring the open phone line reportedly heard him snoring—indicating he had overdosed or passed out.
In the chaos, Donovan called his brother, Aaron Miller, and made a chilling confession.
“Aaron told law enforcement that [the] defendant said, ‘I just shot my family. They thought I was sleeping. I could hear them laughing and making fun of me so I shot them,’” court documents revealed.
Donovan allegedly proceeded to enter a neighbor’s home and shot their dog shortly afterward.
Further statements to law enforcement portrayed a volatile state of mind:
“Come and get me. I mean, I’m armed to the teeth but I’m not gonna shoot,” Donovan reportedly told officers. “I cannot believe my family turned on me like that.” “I just want to die.”
He also referred to his wife and son as “a couple of traitors, I guess,” when asked who else was in the house.
Kansas’ “Hard 50” law, which applies to premeditated first-degree murder cases committed on or after July 1, 2014, ensures that convicted offenders serve a minimum of 50 years before becoming eligible for parole. It is designed for the most serious and heinous offenses.
As the community processes the tragedy, the memories of Sheila and Tyler Donovan remain a beacon of light for those who knew them.
Sheila was remembered for her “legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering faith.”
“Her greatest pride and joy was her son, Tyler, and she delighted in sharing every piece of news about him,” her obituary read. “Sheila’s laugh was truly infectious, and her sense of humor could brighten any room. She brought joy to every occasion, making them filled with laughter and fun.”
Tyler, described as compassionate and selfless, was always ready to help others.
“He seldom asked for help but was always the first to offer a hand to others,” his obituary stated. “His generous heart and willingness to support friends and family exemplified his selfless spirit, which will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”
