The incident took place at a residence in West Palm Beach, where deputies responded to a call that would soon escalate into a deadly confrontation. The situation, which started as a domestic dispute, quickly spiraled out of control. Alonzo Riser, 20, was found stabbing his father, Tyrone Riser, 52, in a violent and intense altercation. Despite the deputies’ commands to stop, Alonzo continued his attack, seemingly oblivious to the law enforcement’s warnings. In the midst of this chaotic scene, a deputy was forced to use lethal force, shooting Alonzo in an attempt to stop the assault and protect Tyrone from further harm. Both father and son were tragically killed in the exchange.
This tragic confrontation has left the community in shock, struggling to comprehend how a father and son could meet such a violent and untimely end. Tyrone Riser, a man who had dedicated much of his life to caring for his family, had recently fought for guardianship of his son, a child who had autism and epilepsy. His efforts to protect and care for Alonzo, even as the young man struggled with his own personal demons, are a testament to the deep love and commitment Tyrone had for his family. This guardianship battle, which had become a central issue in Tyrone’s life, only adds a layer of complexity to an already heart-wrenching tragedy.
Neighbors and those who knew the Risers are stunned. Judith McCoy, a local neighbor, expressed the collective sense of loss when she remarked, “It’s sad, so sad.” For many in the neighborhood, this was a family they had watched grow and struggle, and the shock of the events leaves a void that words can barely capture. Those who knew Tyrone and Alonzo say they never saw any signs of the violence that would unfold that day, making the tragedy even harder to accept.
The deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on paid administrative leave as authorities conduct a thorough investigation into the events that led to the deaths. It remains unclear what motivated Alonzo to turn on his father so violently, or whether other factors, such as mental health struggles, played a role in the tragic events. This investigation will be critical in determining whether the deputy’s actions were justified or whether alternative measures could have been taken to de-escalate the situation.
In the wake of the deaths, the Riser family faces an unimaginable burden. Not only must they cope with the loss of Tyrone and Alonzo, but they also have the responsibility of caring for Alonzo’s teenage sister, whose world has been shattered by the loss of both her father and brother. The family is now forced to make arrangements for two funerals while grappling with the profound emotional toll of this loss. The pain is compounded by the realization that no one could have predicted the tragic events that unfolded that day.
This incident has left a deep scar on the community, which is now forced to reckon with the aftermath of a tragedy no one saw coming. It highlights the often unseen struggles of families dealing with mental health issues, the complex dynamics of domestic life, and the unpredictable nature of violence. It also raises important questions about the role of law enforcement in situations of domestic conflict, and whether there were opportunities for de-escalation before the deadly confrontation occurred.
As the investigation continues, the West Palm Beach community is left with a sense of grief and disbelief. The Risers’ story, once one of love, dedication, and family, has taken a tragic turn that will be remembered for years to come. And while the full details of what transpired remain unclear, one thing is certain: the loss of Tyrone and Alonzo Riser is a tragedy that no one in the community will soon forget.