Nashville stabbing suspect shot, killed by law enforcement in West Texas

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The man accused of fatally stabbing a man and injuring his wife in Nashville has been shot and killed during a confrontation with law enforcement in West Texas.

Peter Alexander Bohning, of Connecticut, is accused of killing Donald Zirkle and injuring his wife,Leigh Ann,during a reported robbery at their home near Sylvan Park on Friday.

According to Metro Nashville police, a Gaines County deputy encountered Bohning while responding to a call about a suspicious vehicle. That vehicle, a gray Toyota Camry, was the same one Bohning allegedly took from the victims' Cherokee Road home.

The deputy was stabbed during the altercation and was taken to an El Paso area hospital. The deputy’s injury was not thought to be life-threatening.

The 34-year-old Bohning later died at a Texas hospital, Metro police confirmed.

Gaines County, Texas is located about four hours northeast of El Paso.

On Friday, police say Bohning approached the Zirkles while they were on their back porch and told them he was lost and needed directions. He allegedly attacked the couple, stabbing them with a sharp object.

Leigh Ann Zirkle was able to get in the house, lock the door behind her and run through the front door. She was found in the street, bleeding from her neck. Her husband, Donald, was found seriously injured on the back porch.

Both were sent to the hospital with critical injuries, but Mr. Zirkle later succumbed to his injuries.

Bohning's Subaru sedan was found parked in the street at the side of the Zirkle residence with its rear doors open. Detectives spoke with his family in Connecticut on Friday. They said they hadn't heard from him in several days.

Police said they have found no connection between Bohning and the victims. It's unclear why he picked them, investigators added.