On Christmas night 2024, at approximately 9:40 PM, a tragic incident unfolded in Palatka, Florida. Tyree Gilyard, a 23-year-old male from Crescent City, was one of three victims in a shooting that occurred near the Palatka Daily News building in the 1800 Block of St. Johns Avenue. The incident began when police officers were attempting to disperse a large crowd of approximately 200 people gathered in a parking lot in the 100 block of North 19th Street.
Officers heard multiple gunshots coming from the direction of the Palatka Daily News.
Tyree Gilyard was pronounced dead at the scene. A second victim, 17-year-old Dorrion McKinnon from Palatka, also lost his life after being transported to the hospital. A third victim, identified only as a 21-year-old male from Crescent City, was transported to a trauma center in critical condition.
Tyree was born on October 6, 2001, in Orange Park, Florida, to Paulette Mitchner and the late Cecil B. Gilyard Jr. He was a 2020 graduate of Crescent City Jr. & Sr. High School and was known for his loving kindness toward others. He was a father to a son, Tyree Jr., whom he deeply adored.
As of the initial investigation, law enforcement reported that one person of interest was taken in for a preliminary interview. Assistant Police Chief Matt Newcomb stated there was no immediate threat to the community. The Palatka Police Department's investigation remained ongoing, with Lt. Colten Lee and Sgt. David Lazo handling the case. The incident left physical evidence at the scene, including shell casings and bullet holes around the St. Johns Avenue property where the shooting occurred.
The shooting took place during what appeared to be a large gathering, with witnesses describing the scene as having cars 'bumper to bumper' in the area. Local authorities encouraged anyone with information about the incident to come forward and contact law enforcement or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida.
