In the autumn of 2014, the life of Tyshaun De’Pree Thrower, a 20-year-old African American male from Erie, Pennsylvania, was tragically cut short. On the evening of October 24th, shortly after leaving his aunt's residence at the corner of East 23rd and Holland streets, he was fatally shot in the chest. The incident occurred around 9:45 p.m., and his body was discovered on the front lawn of a home at the intersection. Emergency services responded to the scene, but Thrower's injuries were too severe.
Tyshaun was remembered by his family and friends as a young man who was deeply loved and who, in turn, loved his family with all his heart. He was a graduate of East High School and was known for his passion for music and dancing. He had a particular fondness for dogs and was an avid fan of the Indianapolis Colts and the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was a father, leaving behind a young son. His sudden and violent death sent shockwaves through his community, leaving his loved ones to grapple with an immeasurable loss.
The Erie Police Department launched an investigation into the homicide, but from the outset, they faced significant challenges. Authorities believed that Thrower's death could have been an act of retaliation connected to a fatal shooting that had occurred earlier that same year. This theory was also held by Thrower's family. Investigators worked to identify and interview potential witnesses, but they were met with a wall of silence. Many of the individuals who may have had information about the shooting were related to Tyshaun and were hesitant to come forward, complicating the efforts to piece together the events of that fateful night.
Despite recovering several shell casings from the scene and exploring various leads, the investigation struggled to gain traction. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, tensions in the neighborhood remained high, with reports of additional gunfire in the area. However, as time passed, no arrests were made in connection with Tyshaun De’Pree Thrower's murder. The case grew cold, leaving his family without answers and his killer or killers still at large. The community was left to mourn a young life taken too soon, with the promise of justice remaining unfulfilled.
