18-year-old in custody after deadly shooting of 16-year-old in Hermitage
By Aubriella JacksonColleen Guerry,
2024-09-01
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — One teenager died and another was arrested following a Saturday evening shooting in the Hermitage area, officials said.
According to Metro Nashville dispatch, the incident was reported just after 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31 from the 4000 block of Hallborough Way.
The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) told News 2 that neighbors said they heard about five gunshots.
Zepplenin Phillips, 16, was reportedly found on the ground near his home with three gunshot wounds to the neck and chest and was brought to Vanderbilt by neighbors.
Authorities initially told News 2 the teen had life-threatening injuries, but officers at the scene later said the hospital told them he was pronounced dead.
MNPD announced on Sunday, Sept. 1 that 18-year-old Raphael Jobehdari — who was identified as a suspect after detectives learned Phillips communicated with him about buying a gun and sent him money — had been arrested.
SWAT officers helped execute a search warrant at Jobehdari’s home along Carl Miller Drive, where authorities said they also located and impounded the car that Phillips approached on Hallborough Way just before he was shot. Three firearms were reportedly seized during the search.
Jobehdari is being charged with Phillips’ murder, officials said, adding that the motive appears to involve the “alleged anticipated sale of a gun.”
Authorities said Dauzart died from his wounds, but Jobehdari was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he spent several days recovering after being shot in the abdomen and leg.
According to officials, Jobehdari claimed he shot Dauzart in self-defense. Following a review of the investigative file with the District Attorney’s Office, no charges were filed against Jobehdari at the time.
No additional details have been released about Saturday’s deadly shooting.
Meanwhile, a vigil was held in Phillips’ honor at his family’s home along Hallborough Way on Sunday, Sept. 1. Hampton Hall neighbors gathered with flowers and cards, praying for healing.
News 2 spoke with Troy, who recalled hearing noise following the shooting. He said he tried to give Phillips CPR, adding that several neighbors also jumped in to assist.
“Violence is huge. I feel like it’s really, it’s sad to say, almost common in the Nashville area. [You] just hear so many stories and to be a part of it is just surreal. There’s a lot of disbelief. It’s scary… As a nurse, I take care of patients always just fighting for their lives and just to do it outside of work was just very uncomforting to react, but…you don’t have much time in a critical situation,” Troy explained.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help Phillips’ family with funeral expenses.
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