Crime & Safety

Man Indicted In July Stabbing Claims Self-Defense

A 33-year-old man charged with second-degree murder in a July stabbing in North Nashville claims it was self-defense.

NASHVILLE, TN — The Davidson County grand jury indicted a 33-year-old man Friday for the July stabbing death of another man at a Brick Church Pike hotel.

Fesnando Felipe Santos is charged with second-degree murder of Michael Cook, 37, who police described as an "acquaintance" of Santos, at a Quality Inn July 29.

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Detectives say Cook and Santos were "involved in a heated verbal argument that turned physical," during which Santos is alleged to have stabbed Cook. Officers found Santos shortly thereafter at a Trinity Lane truck stop. In an interview with detectives on, Santos claimed self-defense.

The Davidson County District Attorney General's office opted to take the case to the grand jury, which returned a true bill. Santos was arrested Tuesday and is held on a $250,000.

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Image via Metro Nashville Police

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