At about 1:45 a.m. on October 3, Atlanta police were dispatched to number 2,259 Belvedere Avenue when they received notification that someone was injured. Anthony Grant, a police spokesman, said they found Thomas Jefferson Byrd had been shot several times and died at the scene.
The cause of the murder is currently unknown. However, according to a friend of the actor, Thomas had an argument with someone at the store and “this person must have followed him home”. The police are still investigating the incident.
Thomas Jefferson Byrd was born in 1950, is an American film and theater actor. He received a prestigious Tony Award nomination for his role in the play Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Thomas has also appeared in many films by Oscar-winning director Spike Lee, including: Clockers, Get on the Bus, Bamboozled, Chi-Raq, Red Hook Summer, Girl 6 and Da Sweet Blood of Jesus.
Director Spike Lee expressed his shock upon hearing news of Thomas Jefferson Byrd’s death via Instagram: “It hurts me to announce the tragic death of my beloved brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd last night in Atlanta, Georgia. He is a close friend, who has stuck with me in so many films. We extend our condolences to his family. Please rest in peace, Mr. Byrd “.