Former college hoops player identified as Taylorsville shooting victim


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Update: Detectives have taken a person of interest into custody in connection with Sunday's homicide in Taylorsville, according to a tweet from Unified Police Department. Police also served a search warrant at a location on Gillespie Avenue. This article will be updated as more information becomes available.


Earlier:TAYLORSVILLE — Police say a former college basketball player was the victim of Sunday's fatal shooting in Taylorsville.

Toussaint "TJ" L'Ouverture Tyler Jr., 30, was shot and killed inside an apartment near 742 W. Sunny River Road shortly after 10 a.m.

Unified police believe a woman knocked on Tyler's door while two men hid behind a corner. When Tyler opened the door, the men forced their way in while the woman stayed outside, according to police.

Tyler grew up in the Kent, Washington area. He played on the Central Washington University basketball team where he was a guard in 2009-2010 and in 2011-2012.

"It is with deep sadness that we inform you on the loss of Toussaint 'TJ' Tyler. Condolences to his family. Rest In Peace #33," the team posted on its Facebook page Monday.

The team also shared a GoFundMe link* set up by Tyler's family. Tyler is described on the page as "a fearless man, a best friend, a loyal brother, an extraordinary son, and a devoted father."

"TJ committed his life to providing for his daughter, Maya, and giving her every ounce of love and support she will need to grow up and have the opportunity to be whatever she dreams of becoming," according to the account.

Tyler moved to Utah to be closer to his daughter, according to KIRO. Family members are hoping to raise money for funeral expenses and to set up a college fund for Tyler's daughter.

"TJ will be remembered for his radiant smile and personality, his unconditional love, his selfless caring of his beautiful daughter and the kindness and loyalty he displayed towards every one he knew," the page states.

Many reacted to the news of Tyler's passing on social media.

"We've known TJ and Tre since they were in elementary school. Our hearts are heavy and we are praying for the family and that beautiful little girl. RIP TJ," wrote one woman.

"TJ was such an amazing person he will truly be missed by everyone!" wrote another.

One of Tyler's relatives posted, "Please keep my family in your prayers. I'm at a loss for words right now. We are still in shock. TJ was taken from us so suddenly."

Police described one of the intruders as a tall African American man, about 40 years old who was wearing a black beanie and black clothing, with Carhartt-style jeans. The other was described as a short Hispanic man between 20 and 30 years old, also wearing black clothing and Carharrt-style jeans. The woman was last seen wearing a black and red hoodie with light-colored pants.

Investigators were also looking for a black 1980s Ford Mustang convertible with red stripes down the sides from front to back with paint flaking off and primer showing through.

Anyone with information can call Unified police at 801-743-7000.


*KSL.com does not assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

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Pat Reavy is a longtime police and courts reporter. He joined the KSL.com team in 2021, after many years of reporting at the Deseret News and KSL NewsRadio before that.

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