Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Known for Spike Lee Films, Killed

Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Known for Spike Lee Films, Killed
(L-R) Actors Thomas Jefferson Byrd and Shane McRae rehearse for the upcoming play "Red Herring" which is produced by American Idol finalist Katherine McPhee at The Players Theatre in New York City, on Aug. 9, 2006 Peter Kramer/Getty Images
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ATLANTA—Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd, known for his roles in Spike Lee films, has been shot and killed in Atlanta, police said Sunday.

Police responded to a call around 1:45 a.m. Saturday and found the 70-year-old Byrd unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds in his back, police spokesman Officer Anthony Grant said in a statement.