A 13-year-old boy was killed and his 16-year-old sister injured in a shooting at Red Caboose Park in Bellevue, Nashville, Tennessee, on Wednesday evening, May 29.
The incident, which took place during a fight between two groups of teenagers, led to the arrest of a 15-year-old suspect, De’Anthony Osasosifo, who is now facing criminal homicide charges.
The Nashville Metropolitan Police Department reported that the confrontation occurred around 8 p.m. in the park’s parking lot. A video posted on social media captured the chaotic moments leading up to the shooting, showing two teenage girls fighting on the lawn while a large crowd encouraged them. As the fight escalated, multiple gunshots rang out, causing the crowd to scatter.
In the video, a person can be heard screaming in pain, repeatedly yelling, “I got hit! I got hit!” A female voice then urgently instructed, “Get in the car! Get in the car,” as the victim continued to cry out in agony. The video went dark as the shooting started.
The 16-year-old girl, who was not named, managed to reach a nearby fire station, where she reported the shooting to firefighters. She was then taken to a hospital and is expected to survive her injuries. Her younger brother, identified as Aayden Hayes, was found by police lying in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital where he later died.
Osasosifo was apprehended by police about half a mile from the park, walking along the highway. During an interview with investigators, he admitted to possessing the gun and firing it during the fight. Authorities later located the 9mm semi-automatic pistol, which had been reported stolen from a vehicle in Murfreesboro in 2023, with the help of an ATF sniffer dog along Osasosifo’s escape route.
Bellevue Middle School Principal Seth Swihart described Aayden, who had just graduated eighth grade, as a kind and caring student. “Aayden had many friends and was easy to like and get along with,” Swihart said in a statement. “Our heart breaks for his family, friends, and this community who have lost a young person to gun violence.”
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell also addressed the tragedy in a statement. “The loss of such a young life is a sobering reminder of the pervasive impact of gun violence in our communities,” O’Connell said.
Friends and neighbors mourned the loss of Aayden, remembering him as a joyful person. Saniya Graham, a friend of Aayden, shared her grief, saying, “He always made others smile. It’s hard to believe he’s gone.”
Metro Nashville Public Schools have provided grief counseling for students and staff affected by the incident. The school district expressed its sadness over the tragedy and emphasized the need for community support during this difficult time.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The Nashville Metropolitan Police Department has urged the public to come forward with any additional information that might help in the investigation.
In response to the shooting, local officials and community leaders have called for increased efforts to address youth violence and the proliferation of stolen firearms. Nashville Police Chief John Drake highlighted the broader issue of stolen guns contributing to violent crimes in the area. “Stolen guns are a significant problem in our community, and we need to work together to prevent these firearms from being used in further crimes,” Drake stated.
