Crime
Two Alabama Teenagers Found Fatally Shot in Nashville Woods Identified
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two Alabama teenagers found shot to death earlier this week in a wooded area near Percy Priest Lake in Nashville.
According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, the victims have been identified as Amir Landan Wilkerson, 19, and Jamie Valdez-Garcia, 18, both residents of Alabaster, Alabama.
The bodies were discovered shortly before 2 p.m. on Monday by a passerby walking along a wooded trail near the Lincoya Bay Apartments.
The area where they were found is part of the Army Corps of Engineers property.
Police said both teens had been shot multiple times.
Wilkerson was identified on Tuesday after investigators found his wallet at the scene. The identity of Valdez-Garcia was confirmed the following day.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the two teens traveled from Alabaster to Nashville on Sunday — the last day they were seen by their families.
Authorities have not yet determined the purpose of their trip or the circumstances that led to their deaths.
The motive remains under investigation, and no suspects have been publicly identified.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463, and a reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more details become available.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.