Police increase reward to $10K in slaying of actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd
Crime Stoppers has increased the reward to $10,000 in the shooting death of actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd, who was killed in southwest Atlanta on Saturday.
Byrd, who was well-known for starring in several films by director Spike Lee and was a Tony Award-nominated stage actor, was found dead early Saturday morning. The Georgia native was 70.
Byrd was found by police with multiple gunshot wounds in his back after a call from the 2200 block of Belvedere Avenue at about 1:45 a.m., according to Atlanta police spokesman Officer Anthony Grant. He was pronounced dead by Grady emergency medical services.
“I’m so sad to announce the tragic murder of our beloved brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd last night in Atlanta, Georgia,” Lee wrote in an Instagram post. “May we all wish condolences and blessings to his family.”
Investigators are not sure what led to the incident and are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the death, Grant said.
Tipsters can remain anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477, texting information to 274637 or visiting the Crime Stoppers website.
About the Author
Ada is a local journalist and Atlanta-area native who has worked at a variety of publications throughout the city and currently finds her home at the AJC. She is a senior at Georgia State and covers crime and public safety. Informing readers on something new and telling their stories inspires her every day.
