Donald Young, a vibrant, charismatic choir director at one of Chicago's largest open and affirming black congregations, Trinity United Church of Christ, was found shot to death this past Sunday in his home. Young,47, was a longtime member of Trinity's choir, initially singing bass and then moving up the ranks to become one of its most electrifying and popular directors.

He was also a faithful attendee at the conferences of the Gospel Music Workshop of America. The details about why and exactly how he died remain unclear; there is, however, one story that emerges with some semblance of clarity: a longtime choir member and a sometime visitor of the church, both in their early 20's, were dating and Donald became interested in the sometime visitor.

After the break-up of the choir member and the visitor, Young began to date the sometime member. In jealousy and anger, the choir member went to Donald's home and shot him. In an eerie twist of events, the choir member, who was trailed to the frequent Trinity visitor's home by police, questioned and released, sat in the audience the very same Sunday that Mr.Young's death was announced. Young was well liked and the announcement provoked a shocked gasp from the congregation.

A wake for Young will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church. A funeral service follows at 11 a.m.
 

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