Man Shoots Ex and Her Mom, then Himself

GODREKR · #1 ● 03-25-2023, 10:38 PM

Mar 24, 2023, NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A deadly shooting in The Nations involving the Metro Nashville Police Department is under investigation after two women were shot and the gunman died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police spokesperson Don Aaron said a 79-year-old woman was shot in the 5700 block of California Avenue just after 5:15 p.m. Friday. As officers were responding to the scene, they were notified of a 51-year-old woman who had been shot in the back in the 1500 block of 52nd Avenue. Police believe the 51-year-old woman was the gunman’s girlfriend and the daughter of the 79-year-old woman.

The 54-year-old gunman — later identified as J.C. — reportedly ran from the scene after shooting the women and tried to carjack a vehicle in the 5700 block of California Avenue, but was unsuccessful.

Sgt. Michael Hunnicutt of the West Precinct, a 16-year MNPD veteran, saw C., who still had the pistol in his hand, running toward the intersection of 54th and Tennessee avenues and ordered him to the ground. C. then reportedly raised his pistol under his chin and fired, shooting himself in the head. Almost simultaneously, Hunnicutt fired his weapon in a reactive manner, but police do not believe Hunnicutt’s bullet hit the gunman, according to Aaron.

C. was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he died. Aaron said police believe the manner of death is suicide.

The 79-year-old woman is said to be in critical condition at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, while the 51-year-old woman has non-life-threatening injuries.

Aaron also said neighbors in the area heard the shots, saw the injured women, and called police.

Hunnicutt is on routine administrative assignment as the investigation continues.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is also on scene investigating.

Metro police say there were no prior domestic violence reports involving C. and the victims.