A Sunday evening visit to Greenwood Cemetery West in South Nashville turned violent when a man was shot and seriously injured, prompting a large police response and an active investigation that stretched into the night. The man’s injuries were described as serious, but police said he is expected to survive. For now, investigators are still putting together how a routine evening near a historic burial ground ended in gunfire.
According to WSMV, the shooting was reported just before 5:30 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery West at 820 Elm Hill Pike. Officials at the scene told the station that one man was wounded and confirmed his injuries were serious, though he appears likely to survive. Officers remained at the cemetery into Sunday evening while they processed the scene and documented evidence.
Where It Happened
Greenwood Cemetery West sits along Elm Hill Pike and is identified in state planning documents as the Mount Ararat/Greenwood site at 820 Elm Hill Pike. The Tennessee Department of Transportation’s environmental reports note the cemetery’s historic role as a burial ground for Nashville’s African-American community, which is one reason any violence in or around the property quickly draws attention. The site has been included in local preservation and planning records in recent years.
Investigation Status
Officials told WSMV they are still working to determine whether the victim was shot while in his car or somewhere inside the cemetery itself. As of Sunday night, no suspect was in custody. Metro Nashville Police Department detectives remained on scene gathering evidence, but the department had not released additional details. Investigators have not identified a motive and are asking anyone who may have seen or heard something to come forward.
How To Help Investigators
Anyone with information that could help detectives is urged to contact Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463 or call the Metro Nashville Police non-emergency line at 615-862-8600, according to Nashville.gov. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers’ website or mobile app. This story will be updated as authorities release more information.
