Detective Donald Ray Young

Detective Donald Ray Young | Denver Police Department, Colorado
Denver Police Department, Colorado
Detective Donald Ray Young

Denver Police Department, Colorado

End of Watch Sunday, May 8, 2005

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Donald Ray Young

Detective Donald Young was shot and killed at a rental hall on West Mississippi Street.

He and another officer were in uniform, working an off duty job at a private celebration, when a man approached both officers from behind and opened fire on them in an unprovoked attack. The shooting occurred at approximately 0100 hours as patrons were leaving as the event ended. Detective Young was killed and the second officer was wounded.

The suspect fled the scene, but was captured on June 5th, 2005, in Culiacan on the western coast of Mexico. U.S. Marshals and Mexican authorities located and arrested him without incident. The suspect was sentenced to 80 years in prison on October 25, 2005.

Detective Young had served with the Denver Police Department for 12 years, and was assigned to the Fugitive / Bomb Unit. He is survived by his wife, two young daughters, and a son.

Bio

  • Age 43
  • Tour 12 years
  • Badge 93021

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentenced to 80 years
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Denver officers attend wedding for daughter of detective killed in the line of duty
Posted On FOX 31 KDVR, November 17, 2019

Denver police officers attend the wedding for Kourtney Young. Kourtney is the daughter of Det. Donnie Young who was killed in the line of duty in 2005.(Denver Police Department)

DENVER — Several Denver police officers were on hand last month when Kourtney Young made her vows at her wedding.

Young is the oldest daughter of Denver Police Detective, Donnie Young who was killed in the line of duty in 2005 when he was working off duty at a party.

Donnie and another detective were in uniform at a banquet hall and wouldn’t let a man inside. That man returned with a gun, approached both officers from behind and shot them. The other detective survived and the suspect fled to Mexico where he was eventually arrested.

At the festivities, officers took turns dancing with Kourtney during the traditional father daughter dance.

In a Facebook post the department says, “The moment was one for the books and a reminder that law enforcement is family and family is forever.”

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

November 18, 2019

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