Two people are now behind bars after Metro Nashville police arrested them this weekend in connection with a pair of November 2024 shootings that left two men dead in the parking lot of a Hill Avenue recording studio. Investigators say one suspect was pulled over and taken into custody on an outstanding criminal warrant, while the other was arrested in a separate operation. The developments mark a major turn in a case that shook neighbors when both victims were found less than 12 hours apart.
Police announce arrests
The Metro Nashville Police Department says the two suspects are in custody in relation to the Hill Avenue killings. Officials report that 35-year-old Tatenda Makoka was taken into custody during a traffic stop on an outstanding criminal warrant tied to the Nov. 2, 2024, slaying of Johnathan Wallace. They add that 27-year-old Jaden Johnson was arrested for his alleged role in the Nov. 2 killing of Justin Williams that took place hours later in the same parking lot, according to WSMV. Police say the two homicide cases are being investigated separately.
How the November shootings unfolded
On Nov. 2, 2024, officers responded to Trap Up Studio Lounge at 711 Hill Avenue after finding Johnathan Wallace shot in his vehicle. Less than 12 hours later, they were called back and discovered Justin Williams fatally wounded in the same parking lot. Those details were reported at the time by WTVF, and local coverage captured the community's immediate reaction. Nashville was rocked by a weekend double shooting. Previously, the initial reporting was rounded up.
What’s next
Police say the arrests follow months of investigation and leads developed since the November killings, and that charging documents have not yet been made public. Metro detectives are still asking anyone with information about either case to contact Crime Stoppers as both homicide probes move forward, per WSMV.
