NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A double homicide near a Donelson apartment complex has prompted a widespread investigation involving local, state, and federal authorities.
A resident on a morning walk on Monday discovered the bodies of two men along a trail in a wooded area near the Lincoya Bay apartments and townhomes. The trail, while unauthorized, had previously been used by residents to access the nearby lake.
Metro Nashville police believe the men were shot either overnight or in the early morning hours. The victims, both Hispanic men, have not yet been identified.
Whitney Avera, who lives nearby, said that while hearing about violence in the area was not surprising, it is still unsettling.
"We have not walked on those trails. We have walked a little further back to the water, but yes, we will not be there," Avera said. "And my children will not be going anywhere near there."
Don Aaron, spokesperson for the Metro Nashville Police Department, said the department’s Specialized Investigations Division is working closely with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Because the victims are believed to be of Hispanic descent, Homeland Security Investigations is also assisting.
One of the men has now been identified as Amir Landan Wilkerson, 19, of Alabaster, Alabama, south of Birmingham. He was last seen by his family in Alabaster on Sunday afternoon. Police said they are working to identify the second murder victim. Wilkerson was identified through a wallet found on his person and later his family.
The investigation is continuing to determine why the two had come to Nashville and identify who they were with, including the person or people responsible for killing them.
Aaron emphasized that this multi-agency response is standard protocol in cases involving gun violence and unidentified victims.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol was also on the scene Monday, running license plates to identify any suspicious vehicles in the area. Investigators have been canvassing the complex, going door-to-door in search of security footage or witnesses.
"If anybody saw anything unusual in the early morning hours, let us know," Aaron said.
Some residents reported suspicious activity days before the discovery. Avera said she called police Saturday after seeing a man pacing up and down the street for hours, but no officers responded.
"We need them to follow through," Avera said. "We call, we report suspicious behavior. We would like for them to show up and do their job. This could’ve been avoided — who knows — this could’ve had nothing to do with it, but it could."
Anyone with information is urged to call the Metro Nashville Police Department.
This story was reported and written by Kelsey Gibbs and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Happy Birthday to the YMCA of Middle TN. They just celebrated their 150th anniversary! A lot has changed with the Y over the years. I have personally seen some of that firsthand when I was a long-time board member at the Northwest Family Y and part of their Black Achievers Program. Forrest Sanders has a look back.
- Lelan Statom
