NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro police say a father has been charged in connection with the early morning crash on Bell Road that claimed the life of his 4-month-old son.
The crash was reported just before 2 a.m. Friday near Couchville Pike. Police say 21-year-old Malcolm Hensley has now been arrested on charges of vehicular homicide and felony aggravated child abuse.
BREAKING: Malcolm Hensley, 21, has now been arrested on charges of vehicular homicide and felony aggravated child abuse in connection with the early morning single-car crash on Bell Road near Couchville Pike that killed his 4-month-old son, Messiah. pic.twitter.com/7oiGc3DV24
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) November 13, 2020
Hensley was arrested Friday afternoon after he was discharged from Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Police say the decision to charge Hensley was made after crash investigators reviewed the circumstances of the collision with the District Attorney’s Office.
Police say the Nashville Fire Department arrived on scene and found Messiah Hensley in his father's lap in the driver's seat. Hensley told police the boy was in a child safety seat, but police say the safety carrier was found face down against the rear driver’s side door and not secured to the rear seat.
An infant bottle was found on the driver’s floorboard.
According to police, the 2008 Ford Focus Hensley was driving failed to negotiate a curve, veered off the right side of the road and crashed into a rock wall. Hensley claimed that he swerved to avoid a deer in his path; however, police say there was no roadway evidence to indicate a swerve.
