Donye Teal Obituary, Death; – The family of a 17-year-old high school senior, who was tragically shot and killed at a house party in Stockton over the weekend, has expressed that his death was without reason. His father, Vail Teal Sr., identified him as Donye Teal, lamenting that he was far too young to depart from this life. “It feels surreal to stand at this location,” Vail Teal Sr. remarked.
On Tuesday, Vail Teal Sr. and his older son visited the site where Donye was fatally shot during a gathering late Saturday night on E Whitehouse Road in San Joaquin County. “It’s more difficult, I apologize. It’s more challenging to return and realize this was the last place he drew breath. He came here to enjoy himself, and I am discovering that he didn’t even want to be present,” Vail Teal Sr. stated. According to his account, Donye Teal was shot while attempting to defend his girlfriend, cousin, and her boyfriend.
“There was an altercation involving a group of other youths who were bothering my cousin and her boyfriend. When they sought clarification, the situation escalated rapidly,” explained Vail Teal Jr., Donye’s older brother. “A fight ensued, and my brother intervened to assist our cousins, which only intensified the conflict.” The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office is currently treating the shooting as a homicide. Vail Teal Jr. emphasized the family’s desire for justice.
“In many cases like this, particularly in this area, there is a presumption of gang involvement or affiliation, but that is not the case here at all,” he asserted. “He was a wonderful young man who deserved so much more. He was one of the happiest individuals you could encounter, always filled with joy and humor. Our interactions were filled with laughter and playful teasing. He never took anything to heart.”
The family noted that Donye Teal was a senior at Pearson Education Center in Modesto. ABC10 reached out to the center for comments, but they declined to respond out of respect for the family. Later this week, the family will come together for Thanksgiving, but they will feel the absence of Donye Teal.
