Master Police Officer Tyrell Owens Riley

Tyrell Antwan Owens-Riley was born on January 21, 1991, in Columbia, South Carolina.  He was the beloved son of Shauna Riley and the late Roger Keitt.  He was unexpectedly called from labor to reward on Saturday, September 24, 2022, in Columbia, South Carolina.  Tyrell was a 2009 graduate of Dutch Fork High School.  After graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps delayed entry program.  In February 2009, he began recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC in July 2009.  Upon completion of Recruit Training in March 2010, Corporal Owens-Riley completed Motor Vehicle Operator School at Camp Johnson, North Carolina, where he received the Military Occupational Specialty (Mos) 3521.  He was then ordered to 2D Combat Engineer Battalion, 2D Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.  During his tour at 2D Combat Engineer Battalion, Corporal Owens-Riley participated in the Global War on Terrorism and completed two deployments to Afghanistan.  His awards and commendations include:  The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defenses Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Afghanistan Service Medal (w/2 Stars), Nato-Isaf Afghanistan Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.  He was honorably discharged on July 26, 2013.

On May 11, 2015, Tyrell began his law enforcement career with the City of Columbia Police Department. He was assigned to North Region D-Squad where he patrolled the North Main Street area.  In 2016, he transferred to Mero Region C-Squad where he trained new officers who joined the department.  Tyrell was also very instrumental in community policing in the neighborhood in which he grew up with such events as Front Porch Roll Call, Meet A Cop, and the Obama Foundation.  In spite of his worldly accomplishments, Tyrell aspired to be a member of the City of Columbia Police Department SWAT.

Tyrell with his quiet demeanor, was an honest, dependable and loving person.  Surprisingly, he was known for being a prankster, who enjoyed gaming, watching western movies, informative reading and drawing in his spare time.  He also enjoyed spending time traveling with friends and family.

Tyrell is preceded in death by his father, Roger Keitt, maternal grandparents, Candice Owens-Riley and Leafus Riley, and paternal grandfather, Thomas Green.

Tyrell is lovingly survived by his mother, Shauna Riley of Columbia, SC; his daughter, Akemaj Keitt of Columbia, SC; his fiancé, Ashley Maddox, of Charlotte, NC; siblings, Jacquetta Riley, Tasia Riley, Jalin Turnipseed, all of Columbia, SC and Ralkeem Gidron of Orangeburg, SC; his paternal grandmother, Ruby Keitt of Columbia, SC; a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and other loving relatives all of whom are sadden by his untimely departure.

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