A tragic shooting incident in South Nashville on Sunday evening has prompted an urgent manhunt as authorities search for a 19-year-old man suspected of gunning down a local resident. The victim, identified as 44-year-old Michael Harvell, was found fatally wounded on Foster Avenue, just steps away from a local youth residential program and nearby schools. As police actively pursue the suspect, Malik Turrentine, who is considered armed and dangerous, the community is on high alert.
The incident unfolded around 7:30 PM on the evening of October 6, 2024, sending shockwaves through the normally quiet neighborhood. Foster Avenue, a narrow residential street located near major schools like STEM Prep High School and Nashville School of the Arts, was quickly flooded with first responders after a report of gunfire rang out. Officers from the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) arrived within minutes, only to find Harvell lying on the ground with a fatal gunshot wound. Despite attempts to revive him, he was pronounced dead on the scene.
Michael Harvell, a Nashville resident known to many in the local community, had no prior indication that his life would be taken so suddenly. His family and friends were left to cope with the devastating news that he had been shot to death outside of a residential program for young people, an area usually reserved for activities designed to support and uplift youth in need.
Witnesses at the scene reported hearing the crack of gunfire and then seeing a man fleeing the area on foot. Law enforcement quickly gathered descriptions from those in the vicinity, piecing together a profile of the suspect. Shortly thereafter, officers identified Malik Turrentine, a 19-year-old local resident, as the individual most likely responsible for the shooting. According to witnesses, Turrentine was last seen wearing a grey hoodie and light-colored jeans.
However, the details leading up to the deadly encounter remain unclear. Authorities have not yet provided a definitive motive for the shooting, leaving the community puzzled as to what could have sparked such a violent act. While detectives continue their efforts to determine what led to the confrontation between Turrentine and Harvell, early evidence suggests that the suspect may have had prior connections with the victim.
Around 9:30 PM, only two hours after the initial report, the MNPD released a public statement via social media, identifying Turrentine as a person of interest in the shooting. Alongside the announcement, police shared a photo of Turrentine, urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any information regarding his whereabouts. The photo quickly spread across various online platforms, with local news outlets broadcasting updates to keep the Nashville community informed.
Nashville police are treating Turrentine as a high-priority suspect due to his history of criminal behavior and the fact that he is still believed to be armed. His age, only 19 years old, has added to the concern surrounding this case, as police fear that a young man capable of committing such a violent act may strike again. Authorities have warned the public to avoid any attempts to approach Turrentine, instead asking anyone who may spot him to contact the MNPD immediately.
Turrentine’s prior criminal record is currently under review, but early reports indicate that the young man has had run-ins with law enforcement before. Known for minor offenses in the past, Turrentine’s transition from petty crimes to alleged murder has left law enforcement scrambling to understand how a young man of his age could descend into such a dark path. The search for Turrentine has since extended beyond Foster Avenue, as police canvassed surrounding neighborhoods, interviewed residents, and reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses in an attempt to track his movements.
The involvement of the MNPD’s specialized task force for violent crimes highlights the severity of the situation. Led by experienced investigators, the team has been working around the clock to gather any evidence that could point to Turrentine’s whereabouts. According to officials, they have been following leads, searching properties associated with the suspect, and conducting interviews with individuals who may have been in contact with him in the days leading up to the shooting.
The atmosphere in South Nashville remains tense as word of the shooting continues to spread. Local residents have expressed concerns about safety, especially in light of the fact that the suspect remains at large. Families living on Foster Avenue, in particular, are taking extra precautions, with some parents opting to keep their children home from school as police continue to patrol the area. Community leaders have stepped in to offer support to the neighborhood, with counselors from the nearby schools providing grief services to those affected by the tragic event.
Meanwhile, the family of Michael Harvell is left grappling with the sudden loss of a loved one. Speaking through a family spokesperson, Harvell’s relatives have requested privacy as they mourn his untimely death. While their emotions are still raw, close friends of Harvell have already begun sharing heartfelt tributes online, remembering him as a kind and generous soul. Described as a man who was always willing to lend a hand to those in need, Harvell’s passing has left a noticeable void in the hearts of those who knew him. Friends of the family have already started organizing a vigil in Harvell’s memory, scheduled to take place later this week at a local community center.
In the meantime, police continue to urge the public to stay informed and avoid speculation as the investigation progresses. While social media has become flooded with unverified reports and rumors about Turrentine’s possible whereabouts, authorities have stressed that any solid information should be directed to the MNPD to ensure that law enforcement can act swiftly and efficiently.
The Metro Nashville Police Department has asked anyone with information to contact their Crime Stoppers division at 615-742-7463. All tips will remain anonymous, and a reward has been established for any credible information leading to Turrentine’s capture. The police have also asked residents to report any suspicious activity in the area, no matter how small it may seem, as every lead could be crucial in bringing this case to a close.
As the manhunt for Malik Turrentine enters its second day, the people of Nashville remain hopeful that justice will soon be served. The combination of community support, relentless police work, and ongoing public awareness efforts is expected to play a crucial role in resolving the tragedy that unfolded on Foster Avenue. The investigation into the exact circumstances of Michael Harvell’s death will continue until all the facts are laid bare, and until Turrentine is brought into custody, the city will remain on high alert.
