Former NBA Player Sentenced to 90 Years to Life in State Prison NR24082rc

Los Angeles: In 2019, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division’s Special Assault Section began investigating a former professional basketball player and actor, Rashid Byrd, after a victim came forward to report that she had been sexually assaulted. During their investigation, detectives learned in 2010, Byrd was convicted of a sexual assault involving a different victim. Detectives also discovered in 2005 that Byrd had been arrested for sexually assaulting a young woman in Washington State.

According to Byrd’s victims, although he was initially charming, he subsequently forced them into a variety of sex acts. “He started as a charmer, playing up his status as an athlete and pseudo-celebrity, but that quickly faded into rapes and violence,” said Detective Dara Brown, the lead investigator on the case.

On September 18, 2020, detectives arrested Byrd for sexual assault. Byrd’s bail was $4,150,000, and he has remained in custody since his arrest. Byrd was found guilty, and on March 1, 2024, Rashid Byrd was sentenced to 90 years to life for a series of violent sexual assaults that occurred in Los Angeles and Santa Clara Counties between 2015 and 2020.

“The LAPD is grateful for the brave women who came forward to tell their stories,” Brown said. “While this investigation has gone on for years, we are thankful that Byrd is no longer on the streets.”

Brown added that efforts were made to locate all of Byrd’s victims and asked that anyone with information regarding his crimes contact her at (213) 486-6840 or email RHDTIPLINE@LAPD.ONLINE. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P-3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.