UPDATED: MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) — An 11-year-old girl was injured in a recent shooting that authorities say is connected to a string of violent incidents across Murfreesboro, resulting in the arrest of six individuals and an ongoing search for a seventh suspect.
The girl was struck during one of several retaliatory shootings that unfolded over the course of a week, according to police. Though her condition has not been released, her injury marks the most serious escalation yet in what officials describe as a dangerous back-and-forth between groups of young individuals.
Investigators say the violence began on the morning of Sunday, June 22, when gunfire erupted outside the Abbington Apartments on Bradyville Pike. Several rounds were fired from a passing vehicle, damaging two apartment units and putting residents at risk. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in that first incident.
Using Murfreesboro Police’s Real Time Crime Center, officers were able to swiftly identify the suspect vehicle—a blue Volkswagen sedan—through a combination of gunshot detection technology and license plate readers. That investigation led officers to the Chariot Pointe Apartments, where three suspects were found near the vehicle.
Among those arrested was 20-year old Kevin Hatter, who is facing charges including reckless endangerment, vandalism, and possession of an altered plate. He is currently being held on a $63,500 bond. Two 16-year-old males were also taken into custody; one attempted to flee on foot but was quickly captured. Both were processed at the Rutherford County Juvenile Detention Center and later released.
Police say the intended targets of the first shooting likely responded the following day, firing shots at a group of mini-bike riders on Greenland Avenue. No one was hurt in that exchange, but it contributed to a growing cycle of retaliation that culminated in the shooting that injured the young girl.
In total, six people have been arrested as part of the investigation. Authorities are still looking for 19-year-old Ny’Esha Lawrence, who is considered a suspect and remains at large.
Law enforcement officials credit their quick response and surveillance capabilities with preventing further violence, and the investigation remains active as detectives work to determine the full scope of the conflict.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Ny’Esha Lawrence is urged to contact Murfreesboro Police or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.
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MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) – Advanced technology at the Murfreesboro Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) led to the swift arrest of three individuals connected to a drive-by shooting that occurred Sunday morning, June 22, near the Abbington Apartments on Bradyville Pike.
At approximately 10:05 a.m., gunshot detection sensors alerted officers to gunfire in the area. Responding units discovered that multiple rounds had been fired from a blue Volkswagen sedan, striking two apartment units and putting residents at risk. Fortunately, no one was injured.
RTCC crime analysts quickly got to work, using license plate reader technology to identify the vehicle's registered owner. Their findings directed officers to the Chariot Pointe Apartments on E. Northfield Boulevard, where they located three individuals near the suspect vehicle.
Police detained 20-year-old Kevin Hatter and a 16-year-old male at the scene. A second 16-year-old male attempted to flee on foot but was caught shortly after following a brief chase.
Hatter has been charged with four counts of reckless endangerment, vandalism, and possession of an altered license plate. He remains in custody at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center on a $63,500 bond, with a court appearance scheduled for September 8 in General Sessions Court. The two juveniles face charges and were taken to the Rutherford County Juvenile Detention Center before being released.
The RTCC continues to play a vital role in supporting Murfreesboro Police investigations by providing real-time data and surveillance that lead to timely arrests and improved public safety.
DISCLAIMER: The charges and allegations referenced in this story are merely accusations of criminal conduct and not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.