Deadly Homecoming shooting suspect charged with federal gun crime
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — One of two men arrested for the deadly shooting that took place near Tennessee State University (TSU) now faces a federal charge in addition to a state homicide charge.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Marquez Davis, 24, has now been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Per the complaint, officers of the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) were searching for Davis on Oct. 14 to arrest him on state charges related to the shooting that killed one person and injured nine others on TSU's Homecoming weekend celebration Oct. 12.
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MNPD officers located Davis and a second suspect, DeAnthony Brown, 24, in a short-term rental home in North Nashville and prepared to arrest them on outstanding warrants.
Footage from Metro's aerial unit showed an individual, later identified as Davis, exit onto the roof, climb to an adjacent roof and discard a firearm, per the DOJ.
Davis was then arrested by MNPD on criminal homicide charges, and a Franklin Armory Inc., Model FAI-15 caliber multi-pistol was recovered by officers near where Davis discarded it from the rooftop, the DOJ said in a release .
According to the criminal complaint, Davis has prior felony convictions for robbery, possession of a controlled substance for resale, and being a felon in possession of a handgun.
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"Everyone in our community must be able to gather and celebrate together without fearing random gun violence," said Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski. "Our office will do whatever it takes to keep firearms out of the hands of felons who may use those firearms to inflict greater damage on our citizens. Our firm commitment is in our continued partnership with Chief Drake and the MNPD to hold offenders accountable, reduce gun violence, and ensure safer communities for everyone."
If convicted, Davis faces up to 15 years in prison. The case is being investigated by the MNPD and ATF, according to the DOJ.
