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Cops offering $10G reward in actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd's shooting death as search for suspect continues
By Melissa Roberto
Published October 07, 2020
Authorities in Atlanta are offering a $10,000 reward as they continue to search for the suspect who shot actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd.
Best known for his roles in Spike Lee films, Byrd was found dead around 1:45 a.m. on Saturday on the city's southwest side. He had been shot multiple times in the back.
The reward was announced Tuesday. Police have not identified a suspect in the 70-year-old actor's shooting death or said why it may have happened.
Byrd was found shot near his home and died before he could be taken to a hospital. Fox News spoke with Byrd's friend and former representation Craig Wyckoff, who said he was told by mutual friends that Byrd got into an argument at a store before driving home.
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The person Byrd argued with followed the actor home, Wyckoff said, and shot Byrd three times in the back, killing him.
Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd poses for a portrait at the 2014 American Black Film Festival at the Metropolitan Pavillion on June 21, 2014 in New York City. (Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)
Byrd acted in films including “Clockers,” “Chi-Raq,” “Bamboozled,” “He Got Game” and “Da Sweet Blood of Jesus.” Also a stage actor, Byrd was nominated in 2003 for a Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway revival of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” co-starring Whoopi Goldberg and Charles S. Dutton.
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Police ask anyone with information to call them or Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477 or submit information online at www.StopCrimeATL.com.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/thomas-jefferson-byrd-death-cops-offering-10g-reward