NASHVILLE, Tenn (WTVF) — Metro Nashville Police detectives are trying to find out who murdered 23-year-old Tykeem Franklin inside his apartment on Pebble Creek Circle Thursday night.
Officers responded to the apartment at 7:55 p.m. and found Franklin dead on the living room floor. His roommate had reportedly left the apartment to get food for them both but returned only to find that he'd been shot.
Franklin's parents are hoping they'll have answers soon.
"The only thing that I’m asking is that they turn themselves in so that we can get justice for my baby," said LaSonya Adams, Tykeem's mother.
Adams says her son's friend called her saying Tykeem was shot; she raced to his apartment beating the police to the scene.
Adams says her son had just gotten off work and was playing video games when several people entered his apartment, shot and killed him.
Police released surveillance video of a group of young men they believe have information on the shooting. But right now, the family wants answers.
"I still can’t wrap my heads around it, like why, why, what could he have possibly done," said Waide Franklin, Tykeem's father.
As they prepare for their son’s funeral this weekend in Alabama they want people to remember Tykeem for his warm smile, his love for his family and his respect for everyone.
"This is definitely a loss to so many people, family and friends. This has really just torn us up, he didn’t deserve it," said Franklin.
The family says the police know who the shooter is and he actually lives across the street from Tykeem.
In the surveillance footage released by police, four young men can be seen going down steps toward Franklin’s apartment and then running away minutes later. One of the young men is carrying a rifle as he runs away.
Anyone with information about the murder of Tykeem Franklin is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Callers can remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward. The direct web link to provide mobile tips is www.p3tips.com/161
