On May 4, 2017 at 1:49pm Murfreesboro Police Officers responded to 920 Greenland Dr. (Student Quarters Apartments) for a shooting. Officers arrived on scene within seconds (one officer was a block away and another had just completed foot patrol at this location minutes before this occurred) and discovered the victim outside apartment 106. Officers administered first aid until EMS arrived. The victim was transported to Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital where he later died from his injuries. Multiple witnesses were transported to the police department for interviews and the CID Forensic Services Unit processed the scene. The victim is identified as 23 year old Jessie Buford (2827 S. Rutherford Blvd., Murfreesboro; DOB: 1/12/94).
During the investigation, detectives executed a search warrant at 920 Greenland Dr. apt. 106 in relation to suspected drug activity. Detectives also received corroborating statements from witnesses that led to the identification of a suspect. Violent Crimes Unit Detective James Abbott obtained a warrant for 1st Degree Murder against the suspect. Attempts to locate this person have so far proven unsuccessful and the suspect has been entered NCIC. Attempts to locate the suspect are currently underway and the investigation is still open, therefore, the name of the suspect is currently not being released.
The MPD has had a significant presence in the area for several weeks resulting in over 200 criminal charges brought against individuals for traffic violations, drug possession, weapons possession, and attempted murder for at least one prior shooting on Greenland Drive. The Department is staffing extra officers in marked and unmarked patrol cars, having officers conduct foot patrols, and increasing focus on drug investigations by the Vice/Narcotics and Gang Units. The MPD is determined to stop the violence and hold criminals accountable through arrests and prosecution to the fullest extent possible. We will continue our increased efforts to protect the hard-working residents of this neighborhood.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation or any other crime should call Crime Stoppers at 615-893-STOP (7867).
