Special Agent Thomas Joseph Byrne

Thomas Joseph Byrne

Special Agent Thomas Byrne succumbed to injuries sustained two days earlier when he was abducted and beaten while attending a conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was returning to his hotel room when he was abducted.

He was found suffering from major trauma near the Elysian Fields Avenue overpass in the city's 7th Ward, 40 blocks from where he was last seen. He was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries two days later. The suspect was apprehended.

On July 23, 2009, the suspect, 46, was convicted of second degree murder and robbery, and sentenced to 30 years.

Agent Byrne had served with the DEA for 17 years. He is survived by his wife and four children.