Joshua Lemont Byrd Obituary, Death Cause – A California state parole agent was fatally shot inside a state corrections building in East Oakland, sparking a major manhunt that ultimately led to the arrest of a suspect.
The incident took place around 12:48 p.m. on July 17 inside a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) facility, according to CBS News. The victim, identified as 40-year-old parole agent Joshua Lemont Byrd, was critically wounded and taken to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Officials reported that the shooting happened inside the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) office. The suspect in the case, 48-year-old Bryan Keith Hall, was taken into custody following the incident, as reported by ABC7News.com. Although the exact motive or details surrounding the shooting have not been released, authorities confirmed that Hall had been released from jail roughly ten days before the deadly encounter.
Byrd’s death is particularly notable as it marks the first time since 2018 that a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation employee has died in the line of duty. In response to the tragedy, Governor Gavin Newsom ordered that flags be lowered to half-staff across the state in honor of Byrd’s service and sacrifice.
A solemn procession was held Thursday evening to honor Byrd. His flag-draped casket was transported from the hospital to the coroner’s office, accompanied by nearly 100 unmarked CDCR vehicles in a powerful display of solidarity and mourning.
In a statement, CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber expressed deep sorrow over the loss, saying, “Our hearts are heavy as we remember parole agent Joshua Byrd, whose bravery and dedication led to his tragic death in the line of duty.” He also extended condolences to Byrd’s family, friends, and colleagues across the law enforcement community.
Byrd’s career with the department began in June 2014 when he entered as a cadet. He went on to serve as a correctional officer and later as a sergeant before being assigned to the Oakland DAPO office in October 2024. He was known as a committed public servant and is survived by his wife and three children.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to provide financial support for Byrd’s grieving family. The fundraiser aims to help ease the burden as they cope with the sudden and devastating loss.
The investigation into the shooting is still ongoing. Authorities are working to determine what led up to the attack and whether any security protocols were breached. Meanwhile, the law enforcement community and the public continue to pay tribute to Byrd’s life and service.
