NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Authorities in Nashville have arrested multiple individuals following a tragic shooting in mid-October that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old boy at a Bellevue apartment complex. According to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), the incident took place in the parking area of the Forest Park Apartments and involved several young individuals, including the victim’s cousin, who now faces serious charges.
Police said the victim, identified as Ja’Quan Nolan, lost his life after his cousin allegedly fired a gun while attempting to shoot into an apartment unit where several people, including young children, were inside. Investigators say the shot that fatally struck Nolan came from one of those rounds.
Authorities have identified 19-year-old Marquez Reed as the suspected shooter. He faces charges including criminal homicide, reckless endangerment, and use of a firearm during a dangerous felony. Reed is currently being held in Rutherford County on unrelated auto burglary charges and is expected to be transferred to Nashville soon to face the new charges.
In addition to Reed, two other individuals have also been charged in connection with the case — 21-year-old Malichi Cummins and a 16-year-old male, whose name has not been released due to his age. Both are facing charges of attempted murder and felony reckless endangerment for allegedly firing multiple rounds into an apartment occupied by a man, a woman, and four small children.
Detectives said the group — Reed, Cummins, the 16-year-old, and Nolan — arrived at the complex together on the night of the shooting. At some point, Nolan reportedly got into an argument with a man who was standing on an apartment balcony. The situation escalated quickly, and gunfire followed.
“Gunfire then erupted, with Reed, Cummins, and the 16-year-old shooting multiple rounds,” MNPD said in a press statement. “Through video footage and witness testimony, investigators determined that Reed fired the shot that struck Nolan. Cummins was later seen taking a firearm from Nolan before running from the scene.”
The man who had been on the balcony was struck by a bullet that grazed his chest. He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and was later released. Fortunately, the other residents inside the apartment — including four small children — were unharmed, though shaken by the incident.
Following the shooting, police quickly launched a multi-agency investigation involving officers from multiple counties. Cummins, who was also being held in Rutherford County, will soon be transferred to Nashville to face charges related to this case. The 16-year-old was taken into custody in Montgomery County and has been placed in the juvenile detention center in Nashville.
Authorities also released information about Reed’s criminal background. MNPD stated that he had been arrested in Nashville in September of the previous year on nine separate charges, including auto theft, possession of burglary tools, and unlawful firearm possession. He had pleaded guilty to auto theft in May and received a two-year suspended sentence. The remaining charges were dismissed at that time.
Investigators say this case highlights how quickly disputes can turn dangerous when weapons are involved. They emphasized that the shooting not only took a young life but also placed several innocent people — including children — in harm’s way.
Detectives continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses as the case moves forward. Authorities have thanked the community for providing tips and video footage that helped identify those involved.
Police have urged anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the Metro Nashville Police Department’s Homicide Unit or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.
The department also expressed condolences to the family of Ja’Quan Nolan, calling the incident “a senseless and heartbreaking loss of young life.” Investigators say they are committed to ensuring that everyone responsible is held accountable.
