A gunfire exchange close to Tennessee State University on the evening of October 12 resulted in one fatality and nine injuries, three of whom were children, as confirmed by local officials.
The shooting took place around 5 p.m. on Jefferson Street, the same location where the university’s homecoming parade was held earlier that day. According to police spokesperson Don Aaron, the shooting erupted between two groups within a large crowd. Aaron stated, “It was two groups of people who were beefing and they opened fire on each other with a crowd around.” He added that some of the injured individuals had previous encounters with law enforcement.
Authorities identified the deceased as 24-year-old Vonquae Johnson. Among the injured are a 12-year-old girl, two 14-year-old girls, and several adults aged between 23 and 55. A 55-year-old woman is reportedly in critical condition.
First responders from the Nashville, Tennessee Fire Department were nearby and promptly assisted the victims. Fire department spokesperson Kendra Loney shared how personnel used their belts as makeshift tourniquets to help the victims.
Two individuals have been apprehended in connection with the shooting. According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, both suspects face murder charges. Police have identified the individuals as 24-year-olds Marquez Davis and DeAnthony Brown, and they have released images of the two following their apprehension.
Davis and Brown were apprehended on Monday evening, October 14 at a temporary rental location near the site of the shooting, as reported by the police. Davis was reportedly in possession of an assault-style rifle equipped with a loaded extended magazine when he was arrested.
In April, Davis was found guilty of robbery and charges related to felony gun and drug possession, according to law enforcement. The Nashville police reported that he was sentenced to 10 years probation under the Community Corrections Program.
Despite the incident’s proximity to the university, school officials clarified it occurred several blocks away from the campus and was not linked to the homecoming events. “We think this is something that was kind of a sidebar to the celebration and not a direct reflection on the university itself,” said Nashville police Cmdr. Anthony McClain.
In a separate incident, three individuals were injured at Nissan Stadium, approximately three miles east of the shooting location, following a fight that broke out in the parking lot during the university’s homecoming football game. The incident caused panic among the crowd, resulting in several people getting trampled.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell expressed his disappointment over the incident, stating, “I am heartbroken and angered by the senseless act of violence.”
Police are urging anyone with valuable information to come forward. Regarding the injured victims, Aaron said, “We believe that the others are going to survive and recover.”
“The shooters had no regard for human life and put a crowd of innocent persons, including children, in extreme danger,” Police Chief John Drake said.
