Kansas City, KS – Todd Donovan, a 54-year-old man, has been sentenced to a “Hard 50” – 50 years in prison for killing his wife, Sheila Donovan, and son, Tyler Donovan, as well as a neighbor’s dog. Donovan pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and one count of cruelty to animals.
The Violent Spree
The charges stem from a tragic incident that took place on November 1, 2024. At around 8:20 p.m., officers from the Lenexa Police Department responded to an “armed disturbance” call at the Donovan home, located in the 7900 block of Hallet Street.
Upon arrival, police reported hearing multiple gunshots. A negotiation between officers and Donovan lasted for hours, with him refusing to comply with requests to exit the house peacefully.
After several agencies joined the operation, police finally forced their way into the house, where they found Sheila Donovan (52) and Tyler Donovan (22) dead from gunshot wounds. They also discovered that a neighbor’s dog had been shot and killed.
The Events Leading Up to the Arrest
Donovan, after speaking to crisis negotiators for some time, reportedly walked out of his house with his hands in the air, tossing a rifle from his garage. However, he then reentered his home, took 30 Ambien pills, and stopped talking to law enforcement. Police could still hear him snoring through his phone, as detailed in court documents.
Earlier, Donovan had called his brother, Aaron Miller, and confessed, saying, “I just shot my family. They thought I was sleeping. I could hear them laughing and making fun of me so I shot them.” According to the documents, Donovan also threatened to kill himself and requested that officers come and shoot him.
The “Hard 50” Sentence
Donovan has been sentenced to a “Hard 50”, meaning he will serve 50 years in prison before being eligible for parole. This sentence is the mandatory minimum for premeditated first-degree murder in Kansas.
Remembering Sheila and Tyler Donovan
Sheila Donovan is remembered for her “legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering faith”, with her family describing her as someone who brought joy to every occasion. Tyler Donovan, her son, was known for his generosity and willingness to help others. Both will be deeply missed by friends and family.
