NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The 18-year-old killed Tuesday night in a shooting south of downtown Nashville has been identified. The teen was a graduate of the Academy at Hickory Hollow and was working to enlist in the National Guard.
"Very intelligent, very smart young man who had aspirations of going to the army," grandfather Nate Hatcher said. "But he was also a hard working young man."
Officials with Metro Police said Kenny Hatcher was hanging out with a group of men near a home on Vine Hill Road when around 10 p.m. a black Infinity drove up.
At some point, the passenger inside the vehicle opened fire and shot Hatcher. He was found on the back porch of the home when first responders arrived on the scene.
Hatcher was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.
"We heard eight shots, and it just took one to kill him," neighbor Corey Mcclure said. "Just seeing him right there last night taking his last breathe. That's all. I just couldn't sleep."
Officers remained on the scene throughout the morning and interviewed witnesses.
"There are still several people we need to talk to before we can put the pieces of the puzzle together," said Captain Jason Starling with Metro police.
At this point in the investigation, it has appeared the victim had been targeted.
"Man, I don't think he had nothing to do with it. Just a misunderstanding that's all," Mcclure said about a possible motive. "Wrong person."
A description of the suspect was not yet released. Police have recovered the car used in the drive by and say they're continuing to follow strong leads.
"Just find out who done it so the family and everybody can be good," Mcclure said. "Everybody just look out for them and keep them in your prayers."
Anyone with information was asked to call Crime Stoppers at 74-CRIME.
