After an extensive five-year investigation led by Special Victims Division Detective Kevin Wiles, a 60-year-old man from LaVergne has been taken into custody for multiple sexual assaults. The suspect, identified as Garrick Oden, has been indicted on eight counts of rape.
It was Oden's alleged method to pose as a good Samaritan, offering rides to women he would see walking on the streets. However, his intentions were far from benevolent. Reports obtained by the Nashville Metro Police suggest Oden would instead drive these women to secluded areas where he would sexually assault them. As the victims were strangers to him, DNA evidence was instrumental not only to connect the dots across multiple cases but also to finally put a name to the face of their attacker.
Between 2012 and 2018, four women came forward with reports that were later connected through DNA evidence, which linked Oden to each crime scene. The bond set for Oden is $600,000, and he remains behind bars as the case progresses.
In light of these developments, authorities are urging anyone with potential interactions with Oden to step forward and contact the MNPD Special Victims Division. The police department's dedicated line for this case is 615-862-7452, and they're encouraging survivors to help ensure that the suspect is held accountable for his actions.
