Toreon Jermaine Hudson, a 26-year-old Black man, found his life cut tragically short on the night of September 18, 2020, in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. A graduate of Valor Traditional Academy and a commercial field manager for Protect Environmental, he was known for his dedication to his work and his close bonds with family and friends.
That evening, Toreon was at Bungalow Joe's Bar and Restaurant when a shooter opened fire, killing three people in what the restaurant owner described as the act of a 'lone, deranged gunman'. The shooting was reported just before 11:30 p.m. When authorities arrived, they found Toreon and another victim, 24-year-old Steven Matthew Head, deceased at the scene. A third victim, 48-year-old William Scott Smallwood, was transported to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Shortly after the shooting, police apprehended Michael E. Rhynes Jr., then 33 years old, finding him crawling in the brush near the restaurant. His clothing matched the description of the suspect seen on video footage, and he was in possession of a handgun that was consistent with the shell casings found at the scene. Rhynes was arrested and charged with three counts of murder.
In the wake of the senseless violence, Toreon's family described him as being 'full of life and joy.' His funeral was held at Fern Creek Baptist Church, where a community in mourning gathered to pay their respects. While the motive for the shooting remained unclear, the legal process moved forward. Michael E. Rhynes Jr. was held on a $2 million bond and was ultimately sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 25 years, bringing a measure of justice to the families of the victims.
