Two Arrested in September Fatal Shooting in Spring Valley

Suspects charged with second-degree murder and weapons possession

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:21am

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An extreme close-up of a spent shell casing on a dark surface, the harsh lighting creating dramatic shadows and textures to convey a sense of the gritty investigation into this violent crime.The arrest of two suspects in a fatal shooting highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence in the Spring Valley community.Spring Valley Today

The Spring Valley Police Department has arrested two men in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in September. 21-year-old Doodly Metellus and 20-year-old Smay Dornaison have been charged with second-degree murder and other related offenses following an intensive investigation into the incident.

Why it matters

Violent crime and gun violence remain major concerns in the Spring Valley community, which has seen an uptick in such incidents in recent years. This arrest represents an important step in holding perpetrators accountable and providing some closure for the victim's family.

The details

On September 20th, the Spring Valley Police Department responded to a report of shots fired in the area of 2 Dutch Lane. Upon arrival, officers found an unresponsive 20-year-old male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. After an extensive investigation, police arrested Metellus and Dornaison on April 16th. Metellus was found in possession of a loaded firearm during his apprehension.

  • The incident occurred on September 20th at approximately 5:12 p.m.
  • The two suspects were arrested on April 16th.

The players

Doodly Metellus

A 21-year-old resident of Ramapo who was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon.

Smay Dornaison

A 20-year-old resident of Spring Valley who was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

Spring Valley Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the initial report of shots fired, conducted the investigation, and made the arrests.

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What’s next

The two suspects will face a judge in the Village of Spring Valley Justice Court to determine bail and the next steps in the legal proceedings.

The takeaway

This arrest represents progress in addressing the ongoing issue of gun violence in the Spring Valley community, but more work remains to be done to improve public safety and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.