Sean Darrius Woodberry, a 27-year-old African American man from Fort Worth, Texas, tragically lost his life on May 31, 2020. He was fatally shot in the parking lot of a restaurant located at 4224 E Lancaster Avenue in Fort Worth. The incident occurred shortly before 10 p.m., and Sean was pronounced dead at the scene due to gunshot wounds to the chest.
The investigation into Sean's death revealed that he was involved in a custody exchange with his ex-partner's new boyfriend, Ryan
Willrich. The altercation escalated, leading to gunfire. Ryan Willrich was later arrested and charged with murder. In November 2024, Willrich was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison for the fatal shooting.
The case raised questions about security negligence at the restaurant, as it was suggested that better security measures might have prevented the incident. The family of Sean Darrius Woodberry has been pursuing legal claims for justice and compensation, alleging that the property owner failed to provide adequate security to protect its visitors.
Sean was a beloved son, brother, and father. He had a passion for basketball and music, and he was expecting a new child at the time of his death. His untimely passing left a significant void in the lives of his family and friends.
The Fort Worth Police Department and the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office conducted a thorough investigation, and the case was prosecuted by the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney's Office. The legal proceedings concluded with Ryan Willrich's life sentence, providing some measure of justice for Sean's family.
Sean Darrius Woodberry's story is a tragic reminder of the importance of security and the devastating impact of violence on families and communities.