On the evening of December 25, 2024, a tragic shooting occurred in Palatka, Florida, resulting in the death of 23-year-old Tyree Gilyard from Crescent City. The incident took place around 9:40 p.m. near the Palatka Daily News building on St. Johns Avenue. Officers from the Palatka Police Department were in the process of dispersing a large crowd gathered in a parking lot on North 19th Street when they heard multiple gunshots nearby.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered three individuals with gunshot wounds. Gilyard was pronounced dead at the scene. The other victims included 17-year-old Dorrion McKinnon of Palatka, who succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, and 21-year-old Dazail Dennis of Crescent City, who was transported to a trauma center in critical condition.
Investigators believe the shooting may have stemmed from a party in St. Johns County that was shut down, leading attendees to relocate to Palatka. The crime scene was extensive, with approximately 75 evidence markers indicating the presence of numerous shell casings. The Palatka Daily News building itself sustained multiple bullet holes, though no employees were present at the time.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and authorities have not released any information regarding potential suspects. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office are assisting the Palatka Police Department in the ongoing investigation. Community members with any information are urged to contact Lt. Colten Lee or Sgt. David Lazo at (386) 329-0115, or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 1-888-277-8477.
