The Death Of Ryan Twyman

Ryan Twyman was a 24 year old Black man whose life came to a tragic end on June 6, 2019, after an encounter with Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies in Willowbrook, California. His death became a controversial case that raised serious questions about police use of force, accountability, and the impact of police shootings on families and communities. Behind the headlines was a young father whose life was cut short, leaving behind three young sons and family members who would spend years seeking answers about what happened to him.

On the night of the shooting, Ryan was sitting inside a white Kia in the parking lot of an apartment complex near East 132nd Street and South San Pedro Street. Deputies approached the vehicle as part of an investigation involving firearms. According to reports, the situation escalated when the vehicle began reversing, and the deputies opened fire. Surveillance footage later showed the officers firing numerous rounds at the vehicle. Approximately 34 shots were fired during the encounter. Ryan suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene. Reports indicated that Ryan was unarmed, while another person inside the vehicle survived the shooting.

The circumstances surrounding Ryan’s death sparked outrage and raised questions about whether the force used by the deputies was justified. The shooting also brought renewed attention to the concerns of families who have lost loved ones during encounters with law enforcement. For Ryan’s family, the tragedy was not simply another news story. It was the loss of a son, a brother, and a father whose children would now have to grow up without him.

Ryan was the father of three young boys who were approximately three, two, and one years old when he died. His children were too young to fully understand what had happened, but they would have to live with the consequences of losing their father. His mother, Tommy Twyman, publicly expressed her grief and spoke about the pain of losing her son. For her and the rest of the family, the loss was devastating. No investigation, court proceeding, or public statement could bring Ryan back or replace the years of memories that his children would never have the opportunity to make with him.

The case continued to receive attention as investigators and prosecutors examined the shooting. In March 2022, former Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy Andrew Lyons was charged in connection with the incident. In January 2024, Lyons pleaded no contest to lesser charges, including assault with a firearm and assault under color of authority. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail and two years of probation and was required to give up his California peace officer certification. The outcome became another point of discussion about the consequences officers face when their actions result in serious harm or death.

Ryan Twyman’s story remains a painful reminder of how quickly a life can be lost and how deeply that loss can affect an entire family. His death raised difficult questions about police accountability, the use of deadly force, and the importance of conducting thorough investigations when law enforcement officers are involved in fatal shootings. For his loved ones, the fight for answers was about more than legal proceedings. It was about making sure Ryan’s life was not forgotten and that the circumstances surrounding his death continued to receive attention.

At just 24 years old, Ryan had much of his life ahead of him. His three sons lost the opportunity to grow up with their father, and his family was left to carry the burden of a loss that could never truly be repaired. Ryan Twyman should be remembered not only for the tragic circumstances of his death but also as a son, a father, and a human being whose life mattered. His story continues to serve as a reminder of the importance of justice, transparency, and accountability whenever a person’s life is taken during an encounter with law enforcement.