In the summer of 2014, the life of 19-year-old Tyrell Gaylor was tragically cut short in a wave of violence that played out on the streets of Flint, Michigan. An African American male, Tyrell was remembered by loved ones as a cheerful, warm-hearted, and caring individual who was a devoted son, brother, and friend. He enjoyed playing basketball, listening to music, and spending time with his family.
The events leading to his death began to unfold on June 2, 2014, at a bus stop on Martin
Luther King Avenue and Welsh Boulevard. In an act of violence, both Tyrell and 28-year-old Ali McZick were shot. While Tyrell was wounded in the attack, McZick succumbed to his injuries. The man responsible for this shooting was identified by authorities as 22-year-old Daron Ramone Gaylor Jr.
Just over a month later, in the early morning hours of July 5, 2014, Tyrell was targeted again by the same assailant. On East Witherbee Street near Hamilton Avenue, he was fatally shot. An 8-year-old child was also struck by gunfire in this incident but fortunately survived and was reported to be in good condition. Following this fatal shooting, law enforcement launched a manhunt for Daron Gaylor Jr., who was now wanted on two counts of first-degree murder and other charges, and was described as 'armed and extremely dangerous.'
The search for Daron Gaylor Jr. came to a dramatic and violent end on July 9, 2014. Police tracked him to a home where he was hiding with his 34-year-old girlfriend, April M. Abare. A lengthy standoff ensued, during which Abare repeatedly denied the suspect's presence to law enforcement. As the situation escalated, police used heavy equipment to breach the residence. The standoff concluded with the discovery of Daron Gaylor Jr.'s body inside the home. In the aftermath, April Abare was arrested and charged with harboring a felon and lying to the police.
