A suspect has been arrested in the murder of Thomas Jefferson Byrd.
The beloved actor, who has starred in many of Spike Lee‘s classic films, was shot multiple times in the back in Atlanta on October 3
He was pronounced dead by Grady emergency medical services.
Antonio Demetrice Rhynes was arrested early Friday (October 16) morning at the Royal Oaks Apartments along North Camp Creek Parkway.
Rhynes, 30, is being booked into the Fulton County Jail, where he is facing felony murder charges.
Atlanta police say they followed evidence and tips that led them to issue an arrest warrant for Rhynes on Wednesday.
Details as to what led up to the shooting or a motive have not been released.
Via the AJC:
Rhynes has been arrested at least five other times in Fulton since 2007, online jail records show. His previous charges include armed robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, burglary and hijacking a motor vehicle, among others.
Byrd’s daughter, Shannon Byrd-Crossley, reacted to the news of the arrest saying:
Any progress that is made, we are thankful for it. I do feel great relief. But at the same time, it doesn’t bring him back.
My condolences and continued prayers to all who knew and loved Thomas Jefferson Byrd.
Source: WSB-TV
