The celebratory atmosphere of Tennessee State University’s (TSU) annual homecoming weekend was violently interrupted when gunfire erupted on Saturday night, October 12, 2024, near the intersection of 27th Avenue North and Jefferson Street in North Nashville. What began as a weekend of community pride and festivities soon turned into a scene of chaos, tragedy, and grief, as the lives of many were irrevocably altered by an eruption of gang violence in a well-known Nashville neighborhood. The gunfight left one man dead and nine others injured, including six innocent bystanders, as families and friends gathered to celebrate TSU’s rich history and the annual tradition of homecoming.
Late on Monday night, October 14, 2024, just two days after the mass shooting that had shaken the city, Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) detectives arrested two men in connection with the violent incident: 24-year-olds Marquez Davis and DeAnthony Brown. Both men were apprehended at a short-term rental on 26th Avenue North, less than a street away from the scene of the shooting. The pair has since been charged with criminal homicide, a charge that comes as little solace to the victims’ families, especially that of 24-year-old Vonquae Johnson, who tragically lost his life in the senseless violence.
The Tragic Events of October 12: A Celebration Turned Deadly
The shooting took place as remnants of the day’s celebrations lingered on Jefferson Street following Tennessee State University’s homecoming parade, a festive event that had brought together hundreds of alumni, students, and local residents. The annual homecoming parade is a beloved tradition at TSU, showcasing the pride and spirit of the historically Black university and serving as a centerpiece of the weekend’s events.
The parade, which began earlier in the day, featured colorful floats, marching bands, and cheerleading squads that snaked through the North Nashville streets, bringing joy and excitement to onlookers lining the route. As the parade concluded, many attendees made their way to the university’s football stadium, where the TSU Tigers were set to face off against their rivals in the much-anticipated homecoming game. Kickoff was scheduled for 5:00 p.m., and as the stadium filled with fans, the streets around Jefferson Street and 27th Avenue North began to empty out. However, for some, the celebrations continued into the evening.
Among those who remained on Jefferson Street after the parade were Vonquae Johnson and his friends, who were standing near a corner when their lives took a fateful turn. Johnson, 24, had been an active member of a gang known as “23 SKE,” a group that was well-known to the Metro Nashville Police Department. Johnson and three others, also members of 23 SKE, were approached by two men who would soon become central figures in the violent confrontation: Marquez Davis and DeAnthony Brown. Both Davis and Brown were part of a rival gang that had long been engaged in a bitter feud with 23 SKE.
A Deadly Confrontation: Gunfire Erupts on Jefferson Street
According to the MNPD, surveillance footage captured the moment when Davis and Brown arrived at the scene and confronted Johnson and his associates. The two groups exchanged heated words, with tensions quickly escalating. What began as a verbal confrontation between rival gang members soon spiraled out of control as both sides drew firearms.
Within moments, the sound of gunfire echoed through the streets. Witnesses reported hearing a rapid succession of shots as the two gangs exchanged fire in the middle of what had, just hours before, been a peaceful celebration of TSU’s legacy. As bullets flew through the air, panic spread among those still gathered in the area. People ran for cover, ducking behind parked cars and scrambling to escape the deadly crossfire.
In the aftermath of the shootout, Johnson was struck by a fatal bullet. His mother, who had been with him at the time of the shooting, frantically rushed him to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in her car, desperately hoping that her son’s life could be saved. However, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, Johnson was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
In addition to Johnson, nine other people were injured in the shooting, including six innocent bystanders who had no connection to the gangs involved. Among the wounded were individuals who had been out enjoying the homecoming festivities, unaware that they would soon find themselves caught in the crossfire of a violent and deadly gang dispute. These bystanders were also transported to local hospitals, where they received treatment for gunshot wounds. Thankfully, none of the other injuries were reported to be life-threatening, though the emotional scars left by the experience will likely endure for years to come.
The Investigation and Arrest of Davis and Brown
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Metro Nashville Police launched a full-scale investigation, enlisting the help of witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage from cameras positioned throughout the area. The footage proved to be critical in identifying the suspects, showing both Davis and Brown actively participating in the confrontation that led to Johnson’s death.
Police also received an important tip from an anonymous source, leading them to a residence on 26th Avenue North, where the two suspects had been hiding in a short-term rental property. Detectives moved swiftly to apprehend the men, arresting them late on Monday night. Both were charged with criminal homicide, and the police have confirmed that additional charges related to the injuries sustained by other victims may be forthcoming.
One crucial detail captured on the surveillance footage that led to Davis’s capture was the fact that he had been visibly limping at the scene of the shooting. After the gunfight, police learned that Davis had suffered a gunshot wound to his left leg. Investigators believe Davis sustained the injury during the shootout and had sought medical treatment at a nearby residence shortly afterward. When arrested, Davis was found to be wearing a medical boot on his left leg, further corroborating the information provided by witnesses and surveillance footage.
Gang Violence in Nashville: A Growing Concern
The shooting that claimed Vonquae Johnson’s life is just one of many incidents of gang violence that have plagued North Nashville in recent years. The Metro Nashville Police Department has long been aware of the presence of rival gangs in the area, including “23 SKE,” the gang to which Johnson belonged. Law enforcement officials have been working to combat the rise in gang-related violence, but incidents like the one that unfolded during the TSU homecoming weekend highlight the ongoing challenges they face in curbing the violence that continues to take lives and tear families apart.
Nashville, once primarily known for its vibrant music scene and Southern hospitality, has seen a troubling rise in gun violence, particularly in areas like North Nashville. The neighborhood, which is home to many long-standing residents and historically Black institutions like TSU, has been caught in the crosshairs of economic disinvestment, poverty, and the influence of gangs. In recent years, a series of shootings and violent altercations have heightened tensions in the community, leaving many residents feeling unsafe in their own homes.
Community leaders and activists have long called for more resources to be directed toward violence prevention and intervention programs in neighborhoods like North Nashville. They argue that without addressing the root causes of gang violence—such as lack of access to quality education, employment opportunities, and mental health services—incidents like the TSU homecoming shooting will continue to occur.
The Impact on the TSU Community and North Nashville
The shock and grief that followed the shooting have reverberated throughout the Tennessee State University community and the broader Nashville area. Homecoming, a time typically reserved for celebration, pride, and unity, was instead marked by tragedy, leaving many to grapple with the stark reality of gun violence that had struck so close to home.
Students, faculty, and alumni of TSU expressed their sorrow and outrage in the days following the shooting. The university’s president, Dr. Glenda Glover, released a statement condemning the violence and extending condolences to the victims and their families. “Tennessee State University mourns the loss of life that occurred during what should have been a joyous occasion for our community,” Dr. Glover’s statement read. “We are heartbroken that this senseless act of violence took place in the heart of our homecoming celebration, and we stand in solidarity with the victims and their loved ones as they navigate this difficult time.”
A vigil was held on campus in memory of Vonquae Johnson, and to honor the lives of those who were injured in the shooting. Candles were lit, prayers were offered, and the university band played solemn music as students and community members gathered to reflect on the tragedy and call for an end to the violence that has plagued their city.
For the residents of North Nashville, the shooting has deepened the sense of unease and frustration that has been building for years. While many in the community continue to fight for change and advocate for peace, there is an overwhelming feeling that the violence will not end unless more is done to address the systemic issues that fuel gang activity in the area.
Seeking Justice and Moving Forward
As the families of the victims attempt to make sense of their loss, the Metro Nashville Police Department continues its investigation into the events that unfolded on that tragic night. Prosecutors are expected to pursue strong charges against both Marquez Davis and DeAnthony Brown, with criminal homicide being just the first of many charges they may face in connection with the shooting.
The legal process will likely be long and arduous, but for the family of Vonquae Johnson, the quest for justice is only just beginning. Johnson’s mother, who was with him at the time of his death, remains inconsolable. “My son didn’t deserve this,” she said in an interview with local media. “He was trying to turn his life around, but now he’s gone. No mother should have to bury her child, especially like this.”
Community members are calling for unity in the face of tragedy and for continued efforts to combat gun violence and gang activity in Nashville. The city has a long road ahead as it grapples with the complex issues that lead to these senseless acts of violence. But for now, the memory of Tennessee State University’s 2024 homecoming will be forever marked by the loss of a young man’s life and the deep wounds left behind by gang violence.
As the investigation continues, the community of North Nashville must come together to heal, remember those lost, and strive for a future where celebrations like homecoming can once again be safe, joyous occasions, free from the threat of violence.
