Wilson County, Tennessee – A North Carolina man was indicted in Wilson County for a 2023 river killing.
According to the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, 21-year-old Nicolai Hubbeling was indicted Tuesday by a Wilson County grand jury on charges of first-degree premeditated murder and abuse of a corpse in the death of 43-year-old Kelton King.
King’s body was recovered from the Cumberland River on May 22, 2023, with 39 stab wounds, authorities said. The case was investigated jointly by the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, Metro Nashville Police Department, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Sheriff’s officials said Detective Unit Detective Kyle Eicholtz led the investigation, which reportedly uncovered evidence linking Hubbeling to the killing. According to authorities, video surveillance captured Hubbeling walking in downtown Nashville the day before King was found, allegedly searching for a victim. Investigators said Hubbeling was later seen on May 17, 2025, approaching King on a park bench and convincing him to enter his Lexus SUV. That was the last known time King was seen alive.
Authorities said a search of Hubbeling’s vehicle revealed blood in the interior that tested positive for King’s DNA. Weapons, including knives and strangulation devices, were also allegedly recovered from the SUV and Hubbeling’s residence. Investigators reported finding videos on Hubbeling’s phone that allegedly showed him stalking homeless individuals.
Hubbeling was arrested at his Raleigh Court home in Old Hickory on May 29 and is currently incarcerated in Bladen County, North Carolina, according to officials. Arrangements are being made to return him to Nashville.
The case drew attention in downtown Nashville, an area frequented by workers and young adults commuting daily.
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