Spike Lee Mourns The Death Of Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Who Was Murdered In Atlanta [Condolences]

Spike Lee Mourns The Death Of Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Who Was Murdered In Atlanta [Condolences]

Spike Lee is mourning Thomas Jefferson Byrd after reports surfaced that the 70- year- old actor was fatally shot over the weekend. According to Atlanta police, officers responded to a 911 call about an injured person on Saturday at 1:45 a.m. When police arrived at the location, they reportedly found Byrd on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds in his back. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Thomas Jefferson Byrd, starred in numerous films by director Spike Lee, (63), including, “Clockers,” “Get on the Bus,” “Bamboozled,” “He Got Game,” “Red Hook Summer,” “Chi-Raq” and more.

Spike Lee

Spike Lee took to his Instagram on Sunday (Oct.4) to mourn the late actor. He wrote,

“I’m So Sad To Announce The Tragic Murder Of Our Beloved Brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd Last Night In Atlanta, Georgia. Tom Is My Guy, Here Below You See Him As The Frightening Character Errol Barnes In CLOCKERS. Brother Byrd Also Did His Thang In My Joints- CHI-RAQ, SWEET BLOOD OF JESUS, RED HOOK SUMMER, BAMBOOZLED, HE GOT GAME, GET ON THE BUS, GIRL 6 And CLOCKERS. May We All Wish Condolences And Blessings To His Family. Rest In Peace Brother Byrd.”

Spike Lee also posted a clip of the late actor from one of his most iconic roles in the film “Clockers”.

Thomas Jefferson Byrd was also a successful theater actor and was nominated for a Tony Award in 2003 for his stage performance as Toledo in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

“Homicide detectives responded to the scene and are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident”.

RIP Thomas Jefferson Byrd. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this diffcult time.