Self-defense claimed after man killed in shooting at East Nashville housing complex

Ethan Illers
·2 min read
1

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – A man is claiming self-defense following a Friday shooting that left another man dead in East Nashville, officials said.

The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) said the incident took place around 6:15 p.m. in the 300 block of S. Fourth Street at the Cayce Homes housing complex on Friday, April 5.

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The motive for the shooting is believed to have stemmed from an alleged attempted robbery of a 47-year-old man.

The 47-year-old told detectives he invited a 33-year-old man and 35-year-old David Montez Mitchell into his apartment. While inside, the 47-year-old said he was pistol-whipped by the 33-year-old, which led to fight over the handgun, according to officials.

Investigators said multiple shots were fired during the struggle, adding that Mitchell was struck and pulled his own gun, but he is not believed to have fired. Mitchell was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he died.

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Meanwhile, another 47-year-old man who was inside the apartment at the time also sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where police said he is in stable condition as of Saturday, April 6.

According to authorities, the 33-year-old fled the scene, but he was later found in a nearby apartment with a gunshot wound. He was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he remains in stable condition.

The 47-year-old man who claimed he was pistol-whipped also left the scene before officers could arrive. Officials said he later called detectives and was interviewed at MNPD Headquarters. Then, after a consultation with the District Attorney’s Office, he was reportedly released.

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Detectives said two handguns, one of which was reported stolen in 2021, were recovered from the scene.

An investigation into the self-defense claim remains ongoing. No additional details were released about the deadly incident.

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