In the quiet predawn hours of April 26, 2025, a devastating tragedy unfolded in a West Palm Beach apartment complex, leaving a community grappling with grief and disbelief. Tyrone Riser, a 52-year-old father and veteran, and his 20-year-old son, Alonzo Riser, both lost their lives in a violent confrontation that culminated in a deputy-involved shooting. The incident, which occurred in the 6400 block of Emerald Dunes Drive, has shaken neighbors and sparked an ongoing investigation into the circumstances that led to such a heartbreaking outcome.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies were dispatched to the Emerald Dunes community just after 3 a.m. following a 911 call reporting an armed domestic dispute. Upon entering the residence, deputies encountered a harrowing scene: Alonzo Riser was actively stabbing his father, Tyrone, with a sword. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, Alonzo did not comply, forcing a deputy to open fire. Both father and son were given immediate medical attention by deputies at the scene, but their injuries proved fatal. The deputy involved has been placed on paid administrative leave, a standard procedure as authorities investigate the incident.
Tyrone Riser was a dedicated father who had gone to great lengths to support his son, who was diagnosed with autism and epilepsy. Court records reveal that Tyrone had petitioned for guardianship of Alonzo in October of the previous year, a request granted in December. His attorney described him as a loving parent who sought to ensure his son’s needs were met, with no prior indications of violence or aggression from Alonzo. The sudden eruption of such extreme violence has left family members and neighbors searching for answers. A relative, Mariah Boyd Lawson, shared the family’s anguish on a fundraising page, noting the immense emotional and financial burden of laying both Tyrone and Alonzo to rest while caring for Alonzo’s 14-year-old sister.
Judith McCoy, a resident of the apartment complex, expressed the shock felt by many in the community. “I cannot imagine a son attacking his father,” she said, her voice heavy with sorrow. “It’s sad, so sad.” The Villas at Emerald Dunes, typically a peaceful enclave near Okeechobee Boulevard, was thrust into the spotlight as news of the tragedy spread, leaving residents to process the loss of two lives in such a violent manner.
The investigation, involving the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Division, the State Attorney’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, is focused on piecing together the events leading up to the confrontation. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive or what may have precipitated the attack. The incident marks at least the eighth deputy- or officer-involved shooting in South Florida since January, highlighting the challenges law enforcement faces in responding to volatile situations involving armed individuals.
As the community mourns, the loss of Tyrone and Alonzo Riser serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of familial relationships and the unpredictable nature of domestic disputes. The family’s fundraising efforts underscore their commitment to honoring the memories of both men while supporting the surviving sister’s future. For now, the Emerald Dunes community and beyond wait for clarity, hoping that the investigation will shed light on this unfathomable tragedy.