JC Tyus Sr. was 57 when he was shot and killed during an attempted robbery at his family grocery, Mr. Gem’s, on the morning of May 26, 1981. A White man who moved to Denver from Alabama at age 12, he spent about 40 years in the grocery business and was a husband and father of six. His store stood just east of the Five-Points neighborhood and he was described as a familiar, respected figure in the community.

The shooter or shooters fled after the attack. The Denver Police Department investigated but the case went cold; no suspects have been identified and no arrests were ever made. The homicide remains unsolved and the family continues to seek answers.

If anyone knew JC Tyus Sr., worked at or near Mr. Gem’s, or has information about that May 26, 1981 attempted robbery, please come forward.