Two teenagers have been taken into custody about a South Nashville murder that occurred at the turn of the year. The Metro Nashville Police Department announced that Htet Sar and Gabriel Melo-Beltran, both now 18 years old, are facing charges for the death of William Rafael Silva, who was also 18, as reported by WKRN.
Detectives a short time ago arrested Htet Sar, 18, for the Jan murder of William Rafael Silva, 18, during a South Nashville robbery. Sar's co-defendant, Gabriel Melo-Beltran, 18, was arrested Wed in Murfreesboro. Both were 17 when the murder occurred & are charged at Juv Court. pic.twitter.com/cxbwstJeLU
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) August 15, 2024
According to a WKRN report, Sar was apprehended on Thursday, while Melo-Beltran quickly was arrested the day prior in Murfreesboro. The early morning shooting on January 2nd sparked a police investigation when Silva arrived at Southern Hills Medical Center with fatal injuries. It was reported that he was anonymously dropped off by individuals in a black SUV who then hastily left the scene. Silva did not survive the injuries sustained.
Further reflecting upon the matter, local news outlet WSMV notes, "Police said at the time of the murder both Sar and Melo-Beltran were 17 years old. Both are charged in juvenile court." The tragic unfolding marked the first homicide by shooting for the city in 2024, a grim statistic rooted in a tale of robbery and lost potential.
