On the evening of December 25, 2024, a shooting in Palatka, Florida, left 23-year-old Tyree Gilyard of Crescent City dead. Officers dispersing a large crowd in a parking lot on North 19th Street heard multiple gunshots about 9:40 p.m. and found three people with gunshot wounds; Gilyard was pronounced dead at the scene. A 17-year-old, Dorrion McKinnon of Palatka, later died at a hospital and 21-year-old Dazail Dennis of Crescent City was taken to a trauma center in critical condition.

Investigators reported roughly 75 evidence markers and numerous shell casings at a scene that included gunfire through the Palatka Daily News building. Authorities say the violence may have started after a party in St. Johns County was shut down and attendees relocated to Palatka. No arrests have been announced; the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office are assisting the Palatka Police Department.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lt. Colten Lee or Sgt. David Lazo at (386) 329-0115, or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 1-888-277-8477.