The city of Nashville is reeling after the tragic death of 34-year-old Alyssa Lokits, who was fatally shot on Monday, October 14, 2024, while exercising on the Mill Creek Greenway in the Antioch area. What was supposed to be a routine visit to the scenic trail—a space cherished by joggers, walkers, and outdoor enthusiasts—quickly turned into a fatal encounter, sending shockwaves throughout the local community. As details emerge about the moments leading up to the incident, Metro Nashville Police are now conducting an urgent manhunt for the individual responsible for this horrifying act of violence.
The fatal shooting occurred near Old Hickory Boulevard, a major roadway that borders the otherwise peaceful greenway, which is located in one of Nashville’s increasingly populated suburban areas. According to a statement from the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), officers responded to multiple reports of gunfire around 2:30 p.m., following frantic calls from witnesses who described hearing screams for help, followed by gunshots. It is believed that Lokits, a fitness enthusiast, was jogging or walking along the trail when the attack took place.
Authorities said Lokits’ vehicle, a gray SUV, was found parked at the Pettus Avenue trailhead, the access point where she likely entered the greenway before her tragic encounter. Her body was later discovered near the woodline, indicating that she had possibly tried to flee or take cover before she was fatally shot. She had sustained at least one gunshot wound, and emergency medical personnel from the Nashville Fire Department rushed her to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Tragically, despite medical intervention, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The crime has left the Antioch community, as well as the wider Nashville area, in a state of shock and fear. The Mill Creek Greenway, a popular destination for families, solo runners, and nature lovers alike, is now the scene of a tragic murder investigation. Many residents who frequent the area are grappling with the reality that an act of such brutal violence could happen in what was once considered a safe and tranquil environment. Now, the picturesque paths and wooded surroundings, which previously offered peace and solitude to those seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life, are overshadowed by fear and uncertainty.
Witness Reports and the Ongoing Manhunt
The Metro Nashville Police have been piecing together the events that led to Lokits’ death, relying on witness statements and forensic evidence gathered from the scene. While the details are still incomplete, several witnesses reported seeing a man in the moments before and after the shooting. One witness described seeing a man on top of Lokits, potentially during the attack, before hearing gunshots. The suspect, who has been described as a male, fled the scene in a dark-colored, four-door sedan. The vehicle was last seen speeding away from the area, heading in the direction of Old Hickory Boulevard. However, beyond this limited description, police have not yet released any further identifying details about the suspect or his possible motives.
The Metro Nashville Police Department has mobilized all available resources to track down the suspect, launching an extensive investigation that includes combing through nearby surveillance footage from local businesses, traffic cameras, and any home security systems that might have captured images of the suspect or his vehicle. Investigators are working around the clock to gather evidence and are urging anyone who might have seen something—no matter how small or seemingly insignificant—to come forward. Detective Sergeant William Schaffer, who is leading the investigation, emphasized the importance of public cooperation in solving this case. “We are pursuing all leads and leaving no stone unturned, but we need the help of the community,” Schaffer said in a press briefing on Tuesday afternoon. “If anyone saw or heard anything unusual on or around the greenway, we encourage you to reach out to us.”
As forensic teams continue to process the crime scene, they are paying particular attention to any trace evidence that could lead to the identification of the suspect. Ballistic analysis will likely provide insights into the type of firearm used, which could be a critical piece of information as investigators attempt to link the crime to any known criminal activity in the area. In addition, forensic teams are examining Lokits’ clothing and personal items for DNA or other physical evidence that could connect the suspect to the crime.
A Community in Mourning and Outrage
The murder of Alyssa Lokits has left a profound impact on those who knew her. Friends and family describe her as a vibrant, compassionate individual who loved nature, fitness, and spending time with loved ones. Her untimely death has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media, with many sharing stories and memories of the young woman whose life was taken far too soon. “Alyssa was one of the most positive, kind-hearted people I’ve ever known,” wrote one friend on Facebook. “I can’t believe she’s gone. She deserved so much more.”
Family members are still grappling with the shock of her death. “It’s devastating. Alyssa was full of life and had so much to offer the world,” said her sister, Emily Lokits, in a tearful statement to local media. “She loved going on walks, staying active, and enjoying the outdoors. For something like this to happen to her while she was doing something she loved—it’s just heartbreaking.” The Lokits family has asked for privacy as they navigate this difficult time but has also expressed their support for the ongoing investigation, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Meanwhile, the broader Nashville community, especially those living in and around Antioch, has been left questioning their safety. The Mill Creek Greenway has always been considered a relatively peaceful and safe environment, a place where people could escape the noise of the city to enjoy nature. Now, many are concerned that the once-safe greenway has become a target for violent crime. Local residents, particularly women, have voiced growing concerns about exercising alone on trails like Mill Creek, citing fears of increased danger in these relatively secluded areas.
A Rising Crime Wave in Antioch?
The fatal shooting has drawn renewed attention to public safety issues in the Antioch region. While violent crime in Nashville has historically been concentrated in other parts of the city, Antioch has seen a rise in criminal incidents over the past few years. Local leaders have expressed frustration with the slow response to these growing concerns, noting that the area’s rapidly expanding population has outpaced the necessary infrastructure and law enforcement resources needed to ensure safety.
The Mill Creek Greenway, located near busy roads like Old Hickory Boulevard, provides easy access for both residents and, unfortunately, criminals seeking a quick escape route. In the wake of Lokits’ death, Metro Nashville Police have pledged to increase patrols around green spaces, particularly during peak hours when foot traffic is at its highest. The police department has also discussed the possibility of working with local officials to install additional security measures, such as surveillance cameras and enhanced lighting, along the greenway to deter future attacks.
Local officials have also weighed in on the tragedy, offering their condolences to the Lokits family while promising to address the public’s growing safety concerns. “This is a tragic event that never should have happened,” said Councilman Antwon Byrd, whose district includes the Antioch area. “We are committed to working with law enforcement to make sure our parks and greenways are safe for everyone. No one should feel afraid to go out for a walk or a jog in our community.”
Calls for Action and Change
In the days following the shooting, community activists have organized a vigil for Alyssa Lokits, scheduled to take place near the Pettus Avenue trailhead where she began her fateful run. The vigil will not only serve as a moment to remember Lokits’ life but also as an opportunity to raise awareness about the need for greater security in public spaces. Advocates for women’s safety have been particularly vocal, calling for more concrete measures to protect individuals who use greenways and parks, especially in more secluded areas.
“Women shouldn’t have to fear for their lives just because they want to go for a jog,” said Sarah Matthews, a local advocate for women’s safety. “This tragedy should be a wake-up call for city officials to take action and make sure that our public spaces are safe for everyone.” Matthews and others are advocating for an increase in security measures across Nashville’s greenways, including the installation of call boxes, emergency stations, and more frequent police patrols.
The Search for Justice Continues
As the investigation presses on, the Metro Nashville Police Department is remaining tight-lipped about the specific details of the case, but they continue to emphasize the importance of public involvement. With limited leads and few concrete details about the suspect, the success of the investigation could hinge on witness testimony or new tips from the public. “We are asking everyone to stay vigilant,” said Sergeant Schaffer. “If you see something suspicious or have any information, no matter how small, please contact us.”
As the community waits anxiously for answers, the legacy of Alyssa Lokits will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. Her senseless death has left a void that will not soon be filled, but her memory will continue to inspire calls for change, safety, and justice in Nashville. The city now faces the difficult task of balancing its growth with the need for enhanced security measures, particularly in its public spaces. Until the individual responsible for Lokits’ death is caught and brought to justice, the residents of Nashville—and especially Antioch—will continue to wrestle with the fear and uncertainty that this devastating crime has left in its wake.
