Thomas Jefferson Byrd, actor in many Spike Lee movies, killed in Atlanta at 70, police say
Thomas Jefferson Byrd, a longtime actor who frequently worked with director Spike Lee on films, was killed in Atlanta on Saturday, with authorities saying he suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the back.
He was 70.
Atlanta Police said Byrd was found unresponsive when they responded to the scene of an injured person report at around 1:45 a.m., Variety reported.
An investigation into the actor’s death is being carried out by homicide detectives, police said.
Byrd’s numerous collaborations with Lee included “Chi-Raq,” “Clockers,” “Bamboozled” and “He Got Game.”
In an Instagram tribute Sunday, Lee wrote he was “So Sad To Announce The Tragic Murder” of Byrd, and shared a photo of the actor playing Errol Barnes in “Clockers,” which came out in 1995.
“May We All Wish Condolences And Blessings To His Family,” Lee captioned the post. “Rest In Peace Brother Byrd.”
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