NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Skeletal remains discovered last fall behind a strip mall on Murfreesboro Pike have now been identified through DNA testing, according to Metro Nashville Police.
The remains were found Oct. 10, 2025, in a wooded area behind the strip mall at 818 Murfreesboro Pike. A community policing officer located them while following up on a tip.
Police said the remains were inside a large plastic garbage bag when they were discovered.
Investigators later identified the person as Matthew Edward Madewell, who would have been 40 at the time of the discovery.
Madewell was last seen in late 2024 and may have been living near Trinity Lane. Police said he may also have been working for a construction company building hotels in the downtown area.
Cold Case detectives are asking anyone with information about Madewell’s last known whereabouts to contact them at 615-862-7329.
North Nashville lost a passionate advocate and historian with the passing of Lorenzo Washington. I had the pleasure to get to know him while working on a story and left with a wealth of information and appreciation for how Jefferson Street shaped the sound of Music City. Aaron Cantrell shows us how Lorenzo will forever be part of that.
- Carrie Sharp
