A deadly gunfire exchange near Tennessee State University on October 12 ended with one person dead and nine injured, which included three children, according to local authorities.
The shooting incident unfolded around 5 p.m. on Jefferson Street, the same spot where the university’s homecoming parade took place earlier in the day. Don Aaron, a police spokesperson, explained that the gunfire broke out between two rival groups within a large crowd. “It was two groups of people who were beefing and they opened fire on each other with a crowd around,” Aaron said, noting that some of those injured had previous encounters with the law.
Officials identified the fatality as 24-year-old Vonquae Johnson. The injured included a 12-year-old girl, two 14-year-old girls, and several adults ranging in age from 23 to 55. A 55-year-old woman is said to be in critical condition.
First responders from the Nashville, Tennessee Fire Department, who were in the vicinity, promptly attended to the victims. Fire department spokesperson, Kendra Loney outlined how personnel used their belts as makeshift tourniquets to aid the victims.
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department has apprehended two suspects in connection with the shooting, both of whom face murder charges. The suspects, identified as 24-year-olds Marquez Davis and DeAnthony Brown, were arrested on Monday evening at a temporary rental location close to the shooting site, according to police reports. Davis was reportedly found with an assault-style rifle with a loaded extended magazine at the time of his arrest.
Earlier in April, Davis had been convicted of robbery and other charges related to felony gun and drug possession, as per law enforcement records. He was given a 10-year probation sentence under the Community Corrections Program, reported the Nashville police.
Although the shooting occurred near the university, school officials clarified that the incident took place several blocks away from campus and was not related to the homecoming festivities. Nashville police Cmdr. Anthony McClain said, “We think this is something that was kind of a sidebar to the celebration and not a direct reflection on the university itself.”
In a separate incident, three people were injured at Nissan Stadium, located about three miles east of the shooting scene, after a fight broke out in the parking lot during the university’s homecoming football game. The altercation sparked panic among the crowd, leading to several people getting trampled.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell expressed his dismay over the incident, stating, “I am heartbroken and angered by the senseless act of violence.”
Encouraging those with useful information to step forward, police spokesperson Aaron expressed hope for the injured victims, saying, “We believe that the others are going to survive and recover.”
