Thomas Jefferson Byrd, the 70-year-old actor was killed this past Saturday (Oct. 3) in Atlanta, Georgia.
Atlanta police officers responded to a call about an injured person at 1:45 a.m. Byrd was found lying unresponsive at the location. Emergency medical services pronounced him dead from multiple gunshot wounds to the back. According to Variety, no further details have surfaced in Byrd’s murder and the investigation is in its preliminary stage.
The accomplished actor appeared in tons of Spike Lee’s films including, “Get on the Bus,” “Red Hook Summer, “Da Sweet Blood of Jesus,” “Clockers,” “Bamboozled,” and “Chi-Raq.” He also had roles in the films, “Set It Off,” “Ray,” and “Brooklyn’s Finest.”
Lee took to Instagram to tribute him on Sunday.
“I’m so sad to announce the tragic murder of our beloved brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd last night in Atlanta, Georgia. Tom is my guy. Here below you see him as the frightening character Errol Barnes in CLOCKERS. Brother Byrd also did his thang in my joints — CHI-RAQ, SWEET BLOOD OF JESUS, RED HOOK SUMMER, BAMBOOZLED, HE GOT GAME, GET ON THE BUS, GIRL 6, and CLOCKERS. May we all wish condolences and blessings to his family. Rest in peace brother Byrd,” wrote Lee.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Thomas Jefferson Byrd’s friends and family during this difficult time.
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