Woman found shot to death on Hermitage trail; Metro police searching for killer

HERMITAGE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Metro Police are still looking for the killer of a 20-year-old woman. She was found shot in the head along the Alta Lake Greenway near Hermitage Trailhead off Dodson Chapel Road.

People who visit told News 2 that news like this is shocking. “[ There’s ] Not a lot of crime in this area at all, but of course, the population has grown,” frequent visitor, Carolyn, said.

“There are so many eyes around, and potential witnesses and families,” Out-of-state visitor Ralph said. “Yeah, I mean, it feels like a safe place just on the surface.”

Metro Nashville Police identified the victim as 20-year-old Jamani Parker.

Police said Parker was found unresponsive Sunday morning by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers employees.

According to authorities, Parker was brought to the hospital where she died. The medical examiner’s preliminary autopsy revealed she was fatally shot, but police have not released any information about the circumstances.

“It’s really heartbreaking because women, you are never safe,” Caroline Holland, Founder of Chicks with Kicks, said. “You are never safe, and that’s the truth of it, and it’s really sad.”

The founder of Chicks with Kicks , a group created to keep female runners safe, said that when it comes to safety on trails, always go with a group of people, make sure someone knows where you are, and stay alert at all times.

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“If you choose to listen to music on your run, having one air pod in and then also keeping your distance from strangers on the trail,” Holland explained. “And I find that it is very important that if you are passing somebody on a trail, you make sure you are making eye contact. After you pass, make sure you turn around, make sure they didn’t turn around and follow you.”

Carolyn frequents the trails with her dog. She said whenever she heads out there, she keeps her head on a swivel, and Monday is no different.

“I’m just cautious of where I go, and I don’t go alone,” Carolyn said. “And there’s so many people that walk alone on this trail.”

“Do not go on a solo run, not just in this one area where this incident happened but just in general,” Holland warned. “So, even in places where you have felt safe, you don’t want to get into a routine of feeling safe. As sad as that is.”

Holland also recommended using apps that track your location and alert police if you stop for too long, like ‘Vanderbilt Vandy Safe’ or ‘Noonlight.’

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According to Metro Police, the homicide investigation is ongoing. They said no suspects have been arrested. But police told News 2 there is no believed threat to the public.

If you have any information about this deadly incident, you are asked to call Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463 .

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