NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A 19-year-old suspect has been arrested by Nashville police following a fatal shooting in Madison that claimed the life of another 19-year-old teenager.
Authorities took Jaylin Sanford into custody outside an apartment in West Nashville, just over a day after Kenneth Buford Jr. succumbed to his injuries from the shooting.
The tragic incident unfolded when police responded to a field off North Gallatin Pike near McKinley Street and discovered Buford in critical condition. Despite efforts to save him, Buford later died at Skyline Medical Center.
According to the investigation, Sanford is believed to have used an automatic pistol in the shooting. Surveillance footage captured the suspect approaching Buford and a friend before firing multiple shots, striking Buford several times as he tried to flee. Fortunately, Buford’s friend managed to escape unharmed.
An affidavit detailed the suspect picking up items from the ground near the victim after the shooting and fleeing towards McKinley Street as Buford lay wounded on the ground.
The assailant was positively identified by Buford’s friend through a photo lineup, leading to Sanford’s arrest on charges of criminal homicide and attempted criminal homicide. He is currently being held on a $600,000 bond at the Downtown Detention Center.
The swift action by Nashville police in identifying and apprehending the suspect demonstrates their commitment to seeking justice for the victim and his loved ones. The community remains in shock over the senseless violence that took a young life and reinforces the ongoing efforts to address and prevent such tragedies.