Tykeis Noland, a 20-year-old African American male from Fort Walton Beach, Florida, tragically lost his life on October 24, 2021. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning when Fort Walton Beach police responded to a 911 call reporting shots fired at the intersection of Eglin Parkway Southeast and First Street Southeast. Upon arrival, officers discovered Noland's SUV running and unoccupied, riddled with bullet holes on the driver's side and trunk.
Noland was found a short distance away, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his lower left back. He was immediately transported to HCA Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into Tykeis Noland's death was extensive and spanned several months. Initially, there were no suspects identified. However, through persistent efforts, including tips from residents, witness testimonies, and multiple search warrants, the Fort Walton Beach Police Department, with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, Crestview Police Department, and the State Attorney's Office, made significant progress. By May 2022, three individuals were arrested in connection with the murder. Ty’auvion Morris, a 19-year-old from Pensacola, and Corderrius Grant, a 20-year-old from Fort Walton Beach, were charged with premeditated murder. Nathaniel Riggs, an 18-year-old from Crestview, was charged with accessory to premeditated murder.
The investigation revealed that the suspects had followed Noland from the Vibe Nightclub and Lounge in downtown Fort Walton Beach. Surveillance footage showed Noland arriving at the club around 2 a.m. and leaving approximately two hours later, with the suspect vehicle trailing behind. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots shortly after the vehicles left the club, describing the sounds as initially handgun rounds followed by the rapid fire of an assault rifle. Approximately 20 .223 shell casings and five .40 shell casings were recovered from the scene.
Further evidence included images found online showing the suspects holding weapons capable of firing .223 ammunition. One particularly incriminating photo, posted on Instagram on the day of the shooting, depicted Riggs holding a weapon with a caption referencing a "drill," slang for a hit on a rival. The suspects were later identified by witnesses in a photo lineup, solidifying the case against them.
The arrests and subsequent indictments of Morris, Grant, and Riggs marked a significant development in the pursuit of justice for Tykeis Noland. The three men were indicted on charges of first-degree premeditated murder with a firearm, and the case continues to unfold as the legal process progresses. The tragic death of Tykeis Noland highlights the ongoing issues of gun violence and gang-related activities in the area, prompting law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts to combat such crimes and ensure the safety of the community.
