Thomas Byrd – Surveillance Footage Of Slain Actor Shows Him Just Moments Before His Death + Spike Lee Starts GoFundMe

Thomas Byrd – Surveillance Footage Of Slain Actor Shows Him Just Moments Before His Death + Spike Lee Starts GoFundMe

As the film community continues to mourn the tragic and sudden death of actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd, new details about the incident that led to his death have reportedly surfaced. Various outlets say that surveillance camera footage shows the “Clockers” actor laughing and joking with a store clerk just minutes before he was reportedly gunned down in Southwest Atlanta in the early morning hours of October 3.

Originally, it was reported that the Tony-nominated actor got into an argument with someone at a local store and the individual followed him home. However, it appears in the footage that there was no argument between Thomas Jefferson Byrd or anyone else. The footage has not been released to the public as the Atlanta Police Department is actively investigating the incident.

Thomas Jefferson Byrd, known for his roles in many Spike Lee films such as “Get On The Bus” and “Bamboozled,” was found in the yard of a home with multiple gunshot wounds to the back. The man who found him, Robert Callaway, told Atlanta television station WSBT-TV that he thought Thomas had suffered some sort of health issue when he contacted 911 when he saw him lying on the ground.

Oscar-winning director Spike Lee has now taken up the mantle to raise money for Thomas’ final arrangements as well as for his family. He recently shared that he created a GoFundMe account, which has received numerous donations toward the goal of $100,000. Spike Lee shared the information about the fundraiser on his Instagram page:

Due To The Very Sudden And Tragic Death Of My Brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd, I’ve Set Up A Go FundMe To Help His Children And Any Wake/Memorial And Funeral Expense. Please Click The Link In My Bio.

Additionally, the Atlanta Police Department is offering a $10,000 reward for anyone who can provide information that leads to an arrest and indictment of a suspect in the apparent homicide of the versatile actor. Persons with information relevant to the case are asked to contact the Atlanta Police Department directly, submit information at StopCrimeATL.com, or to call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477.

Our continued prayers and condolences go out to the family and friends of Thomas Jefferson Byrd.