In the late hours of Thursday, February 26, 2026, the life of 40-year-old Byron Prejean, a Black male from Palmdale, California, was tragically cut short. The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. in the rear parking lot of the Palms Inn & Suites on West Palmdale Boulevard. First responders arrived at the scene to find Prejean suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department quickly launched a homicide investigation into the shooting. While details remained scarce in the initial stages of the inquiry, authorities did release a preliminary description of a potential suspect. The individual was described as a Black adult male with dreadlocks, who was seen wearing all-black clothing and fleeing the area on foot towards Palmdale Boulevard. As of the latest available reports, no arrests have been made in connection with the case, and the motive for the shooting remains unclear. Homicide detectives are actively seeking information from the public to help move the investigation forward.
The news of Byron Prejean's death sent ripples of grief through his community. Remembered as a devoted father to eleven children, he was also a beloved kids' football coach. His family described him as a caring and generous soul who was known for his efforts to help the less fortunate, often providing food for the homeless, especially during the holidays. A GoFundMe campaign was established by his family to help with funeral and burial expenses, highlighting the profound impact of his loss on his loved ones. A funeral service has been scheduled for April 18, 2026, in Gardena, California, where family and friends will gather to mourn and remember a man who was a pillar of his family.
