Gang activity suspected in weekend shooting near TSU campus

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — While the investigation is ongoing, the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) says gang activity is suspected to play a role in the deadly shooting near the Tennessee State University campus over the weekend.

Police said approximately five individuals, including Vonquae Johnson, 24, who died as a result of the shooting, have local gang affiliations and started “indiscriminately shooting at each other” shortly after 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, at the intersection of 27th Avenue North and Jefferson Street.

Two more of the five individuals were among the wounded and hospitalized, according to MNPD. Four of the five have previous arrest histories, police said, including one convicted within the last six months. That individual, who was not named by police, was convicted on charges of robbery, felony possession of the drug ecstasy for resale, and felony gun possession. He received a 10-year probated sentence to the Community Corrections Program, according to police.

In a Monday afternoon statement, a TSU spokesperson reiterated that the shooting did not occur on campus grounds, but those at the university are continuing to pray for those who were impacted, saying in part:

Tennessee State University extends condolences and prayers to the victims and families impacted by the tragic shooting that occurred on Jefferson Street over the weekend. The loss of life and the injuries sustained by the other victims involved are truly heartbreaking.

In an update from the Metro Nashville Police, the shooting stemmed from an ongoing feud. According to MNPD, one of the shooters encountered someone with whom he had a prior conflict and began firing. The other individual returned fire. Both shooters fired their weapons without regard to civilians in the area. Again, it is important to clarify that the shooting did not take place on our campus and that no one from TSU or affiliated with the university was involved.

Tennessee State University

The case is currently being investigated by Homicide Unit detectives and their counterparts in the Specialized Investigations Division, according to MNPD. Police said they continue to develop additional information about those involved in the gunfire and build criminal cases against them.

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“Our detective teams have advanced this investigation significantly since Saturday evening and continue to gather information on those involved,” Chief John Drake said. “The shooters obviously had no regard for human life and put a crowd of innocent persons, including children, in extreme danger. The entire criminal justice system must treat violent gun crime with the seriousness it demands with resulting incarceration for those convicted.”

The community has reeled in light of the shooting, including Cynthia and Ricky Nelson. Their granddaughter is a cheerleader who walked in the parade. Business owner Martha Lupai, who runs S&E African Hair Braiding, told News 2 that a client canceled an appointment out of fear.

“I came from Africa to this country so that I could be safe,” Lupai said. “I want that safety to come back.”

The nine surviving people wounded Saturday evening are all recovering, none with critical injuries, police said.

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