Suspect in murder of actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd arrested by police drone flown into his apartment
The 70-year-old actor was found dead near his Atlanta home on 3 October with multiple gunshot wounds in his back
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Atlanta police used a drone to arrest a man suspected of murdering Thomas Jefferson Byrd, an actor who appeared in several Spike Lee films.
The Atlanta Police Department shared the dramatic video footage on Twitter. In the video, the drone enters the suspect’s apartment after the entrance is blown. It appears to survey the inside before the suspect walks out from a back room with his hands up.
Police have identified the suspect as 30-year-old Antonio Demetrice Rhynes. He is accused of fatally shooting Mr Byrd earlier this month in southwest Atlanta.
Mr Byrd, 70, appeared in several Spike Lee movies, including Clockers, Get on the Bus, Bamboozled, He Got Game and Red Hook Summer, among others.
He was found dead on 3 October near his home with multiple gunshot wounds in his back. Police had offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
Lee broke the news of Byrd’s death, writing on his Instagram: “I’m So Sad To Announce The Tragic Murder Of Our Beloved Brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd Last Night In Atlanta, Georgia … May We All Wish Condolences And Blessings To His Family. Rest In Peace Brother Byrd.”
Mr Rhynes is being held at the Fulton County Jail and is facing felony murder charges, Atlanta’s WSB-TV reported. It wasn’t immediately clear whether he had an attorney who could speak on his behalf.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments