Suspects in Nashville Tourist Killing from LaVergne: Police

NASHVILLE, TN — Investigators have identified two people arrested Thursday in Raleigh, N.C., as the driver and shooter in a September armed robbery in downtown Nashville that ended with the death of a tourist.

Andy Francisco Nunez, 22, and his girlfriend, Daniela V. Cruz, 20, both of LaVergne, have been indicted on charges in the case, including first-degree murder, according to Nashville Metro Police. A third suspect is also sought in the case: Joseph Santillan, 25, of Antioch.

Late Sept. 25, Teddy Grasset, 30, and Larry Niehues, 28, of Los Angels were walking down 4th Avenue near the Country Music Hall of Fame when a silver Chevrolet Impala slowed and two men jumped out. Grasset and Niehues fled in the separate directions.

According to police, Nunez shot and killed Grasset, who was pronounced dead at a Nashville hospital. Cruz is accused of driving the car. The two were found at a Days Inn motel in Raleigh and taken into custody by local police.

Investigators had been searching for the Impala since releasing security footage soon after the killing. During a press conference Friday, Chief Steve Anderson said a citizen tip led police to investigate Santillan, who is believed to be the other man who jumped out of the car during the robbery.

The Impala was recovered at an unidentified auto body shop. The bumpers had been replaced and a spoiler on the truck had been removed. Also missing: the blue light affixed to the license plate that had been key in the police description of the vehicle as they sought tips in the case. The car has been impounded for analysis.

“The investigation to this point leads us to believe that the persons indicted in this case had traveled into downtown for the purpose of finding vulnerable victims to rob,” Anderson said. “As they drove along 4th Avenue South beside the loading dock of the Country Music Hall of Fame, they saw Teddy Grasset and his friend, Larry Niehues.”

Mayor Megan Barry thanked the detectives leading the investigation.

“I know a number of tips were received over the past few weeks, which shows just how important strong relationships between our Police Department and the community are to public safety," she said.

Photos provided by Nashville Metro Police