Crime
Victim killed in shooting near TSU homecoming identified as 24-year-old Vonquae Johnson
Nine individuals were injured in the shooting, including bystanders.
A tragic shooting incident occurred near Tennessee State University on Saturday, resulting in the death of a 24-year-old and injuries to several others.
The Metro Nashville Police Department has identified the victim as Vonquae Johnson, who succumbed to her injuries on Sunday afternoon.
The shooting took place at the intersection of Jefferson Street and 27th Avenue North, just as the university was celebrating its homecoming.
The football game against Eastern Illinois University at Nissan Stadium was scheduled for 5 p.m.
Nine individuals were injured in the shooting, including bystanders.
Authorities transported five victims to local hospitals using Nashville Fire Department vehicles, while five others arrived at the hospital by private transportation. Among the injured were three juveniles.
Two of the victims, believed to be involved in the shooting, refused to cooperate with police investigators.
The incident has prompted strong condemnation from law enforcement officials.
MNPD spokesperson Don Aaron expressed frustration and disappointment, stating, “It’s not a good thing when a handful of people can cause disruption for the entire community. This type of gun violence has got to stop. We didn’t expect this to happen here with all the law enforcement and safety people here. There were police officers and firefighters everywhere.”
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and authorities are continuing their investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA โ A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple Universityโs campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple Universityโs Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
โThe loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victimโs family and loved ones.โ
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victimโs last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individualโs involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.