Nashville, TN – Two Nashville parents are facing multiple charges after police say their six-year-old son was fatally shot last Friday afternoon inside a South Nashville motel room.
According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, Youth Services detectives charged Fredy Martinez, 37, and Karen Argueta-Salgado, 28, with criminal homicide, aggravated child neglect, and evidence tampering in the death of Cyprien Romero. The parents drove their son to Southern Hills Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Detectives allege the couple initially claimed the shooting occurred outdoors in the Paragon Mills area, but GPS data from their vehicle instead led investigators to a motel on Metroplex Drive. A search warrant reportedly uncovered evidence from the scene. Surveillance video allegedly showed the couple’s eight-year-old son leaving the motel room before Martinez carried an unresponsive Cyprien to a Ford Explorer.
Police say the vehicle was impounded Friday night and, upon searching it, investigators allegedly found a stolen semi-automatic rifle-style gun, bloody bed sheets, and 6.92 grams of crystal meth. The rifle reportedly contained a loaded magazine and was stolen out of Murfreesboro.
On Monday night, joint efforts between Youth Services, Homicide, and Specialized Investigations Division detectives led to Argueta-Salgado’s arrest in the parking lot of an apartment complex on McMurray Drive. Martinez was located inside one of the apartments.
Authorities report Argueta-Salgado was also charged Tuesday with felony meth possession and gun theft. Martinez faces additional charges as a fugitive from justice in Texas and for allegedly assaulting Argueta-Salgado last December. Both remain in custody.
Police say the couple has been uncooperative during the investigation.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant new stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
