Nashville Police ID’d 22-Year-Old Man Shot Dead While Celebrating Birthday Saturday

NASHVILLE, TN. (THECOUNT) — North Precinct detectives are investigating Saturday night’s apparent targeted shooting that killed one man and injured four others at 1516 9th Avenue North in the Cheatham Place public housing development, according to a Nashville.gov press release.

Mansfield Rutherford, who would have turned 23 tomorrow, was celebrating his birthday with friends outside his residence when two gunmen reportedly approached from across the courtyard and opened fire on the group at 10:50 p.m.

Mansfield was struck in the chest.

He was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.

Two 18-year-olds, one 24-year-old, and one 32-year-old, also involved in the incident, sustained non-life threatening injuries.

The suspects are described as black men who appear to be in their early 20s. One is approximately 6’4” tall with a heavy build and shoulder length dreads. The second is approximately 5’10” tall with a thin build and light complexion.

Both suspects wore black clothing.

Detectives are investigating whether there was an exchange of gunfire between the suspects and victims.

Anyone with information about Rutherford’s murder is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward.