News

Actions

Clark, Teen Charged With Criminal Homicide

Posted at 10:14 PM, May 02, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-03 23:47:36-04

An hours-long manhunt ended after Metro Nashville Police located the suspect wanted in a store clerk’s killing and the teenager at the center of an Amber Alert. Both have been charged with criminal homicide in what police have called a "brutal homicide."   

Metro Nashville Police officials said 28-year-old Daniel Clark and 15-year-old Trinity Quinn were spotted at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday in a ditch near Old Hickory Boulevard and Charlotte Pike.

Photos: Clerk Killed; Suspect, Teen Taken Into Custody

A dump truck driver saw Quinn standing on the side of the road and called police. When officers arrived at the scene, both suspects were found sitting on an embankment. 

"[Both] had no alternative but to surrender," Metro Police Spokesman Don Aaron said. 

Clark had been placed on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's Most Wanted list not long before he was apprehended. 

He was identified as the suspect who fatally shot 58-year-old John Daniel Stevens inside the Exxon on Charlotte Pike during a robbery. Stevens died at the scene.

Around 2 p.m. Wednesday, officials with the Metro Nashville Police Department confirmed both Quinn and Clark were charged with criminal homicide, especially aggravated robbery, and attempted auto theft.

some text

When the two entered the store, police said Quinn began shopping around while Clark approached the counter with a gun at his side. They said at one point, Clark fired a shot before pointing the gun at Stevens.  

He then allegedly pointed the gun at Stevens' head, at which point the victim pushed the gun away. Clark then shot Stevens multiple times, police said.  

Aaron said the suspects went through Stevens' pockets and took his keys before trying to flee in a vehicle. However, they were forced to leave on foot because the keys didn't match.  

Investigators said Quinn had "opportunity at the market to flee" and did not appear to be held against her will. 

An endangered child alert was issued for her Wednesday morning out of Dayton, but was later upgraded to an Amber Alert. 

She was last seen on Monday at Rhea Central Elementary School where she was catching a bus to the high school.

Clark's Pontiac minivan was recovered in a parking lot near the Exxon where the shooting occurred. Police searched the area near Brookmeade Elementary, which is no longer in use as a school.

Security for Metro Nashville Public Schools assisted Metro Police in the search. No schools were placed on lockdown.