1 dead after shootout in Edgehill neighborhood

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — An investigation is underway after a man was shot and killed in the Edgehill neighborhood of Nashville early Friday morning.

The shooting happened around 12:30 a.m. in the 1000 block of DeFord Bailey Avenue.

Metro police reported James B. Cox III, 41, was shot and killed 34-year-old Ronald Lamont Russell Jr, who shot Cox multiple times while he was down on the ground.

Cox was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he died.

A short time later, Russell was brought to Vanderbilt by his mother for treatment of a minor head injury. He was overheard talking about being in a shootout as he was being assessed.

According to Metro police, Russell’s mother told detectives he suffers from schizophrenia. Russell reportedly told his mother and detectives he shot Cox because he believed Cox had cut off his sister’s leg.

Metro police clarified this is untrue as the woman lost her limb due to medical complications.

During an interview with Russell at the hospital, he told detectives he spotted Cox outside his sister’s apartment, according to a press release. He said he attempted to stab Cox in the neck with a kitchen knife but was unsuccessful and wrestled with him to the ground.

Russell said one of two guns Cox was carrying came loose and he grabbed it, chased Cox and shot him multiple times, according to Metro police. He also claimed Cox shot him, causing a graze wound. Russell said he threw the gun he used into a nearby field after the shooting.

A nine-millimeter pistol was recovered. Russell told detectives he wanted to kill Cox, whom he knew due to Cox being the nephew of Russell’s mother’s boyfriend.

Russell is undergoing a psychological evaluation. He will be booked on the murder warrant when he is discharged from the hospital.

No additional information was immediately released.

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