Tywon Caldwell Tatum Sr., a 32-year-old resident of Crestview, Florida, tragically passed away on July 8, 2019. His death was the result of a fatal shooting that occurred during an argument. The incident took place in Crestview, where Tatum had lived for over 20 years. He was a native of Tuskegee, Alabama, and was well-known in his community. Tatum's death left behind a grieving family, including his wife Shanay Tatum, his parents Leona Tatum and David D.
Williams, his stepfather Timmie Jordan, and his children Tywon Jr., Miracle, Tyandra, and Janiya.
The investigation into Tatum's death led to the arrest of Tony Jerome Byrd, a 25-year-old man who was found guilty of manslaughter with a firearm. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Byrd shot Tatum in the chest during their argument. Following the shooting, Byrd fled the scene, prompting a large-scale manhunt. He was eventually apprehended by U.S. Marshals in Atlanta on August 30, 2019. Byrd's criminal history included previous convictions for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and felony battery, and he was on probation at the time of the shooting.
Byrd's trial concluded with a jury finding him guilty of manslaughter on March 3, 2022, after a four-day trial. He was subsequently sentenced to two consecutive life prison sentences for manslaughter with a firearm and trafficking in more than 14 grams of methamphetamine. Additionally, Byrd received an extra 20 years in prison for violating his probation. The homicide investigation was conducted by the Crestview Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, while the meth trafficking investigation was handled by the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office. The prosecution was led by Assistant State Attorneys Leah Glisson and Jennifer Flowers.
This tragic event not only highlighted the devastating impact of gun violence but also underscored the importance of thorough investigations and the pursuit of justice for victims and their families. The community of Crestview continues to remember Tywon Caldwell Tatum Sr. and mourn his untimely death.
