Nashville, TN – Police have identified the suspect in the Oct. 18 fatal shooting of 17-year-old Ja’Quan Nolan in the parking lot of Forest Park Apartments in Bellevue. According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, the shooter was Nolan’s own cousin, 19-year-old Marquez Reed.
Investigators say Reed allegedly shot Nolan in the back of the head while attempting to fire into one of the apartments. The motive behind the gunfire remains under investigation.
Authorities reported that Reed had been arrested in Nashville last September on nine charges, including possession of burglary tools, auto theft, misdemeanor drug possession, felony evading arrest, unlawful gun possession, and driving without a license.
According to police, Reed pleaded guilty to auto theft on May 8 of this year and received a two-year probated sentence. The remaining eight charges were dismissed at that time.
Officials have not yet announced formal homicide charges in connection to Nolan’s death, but the investigation remains active.
Residents in Bellevue described the incident as deeply unsettling, adding concerns about rising youth violence in the area. Police continue to encourage anyone with additional information to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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