Crime & Safety

Nashville's 2017 Murders Highest In 20 Years

There were 106 murders in Nashville in 2017, the most in the city since 1997.

NASHVILLE, TN -- There were 106 murders in Metro Nashville in 2017, the most in the city since 1997 when there were 112.

The final murder of the year was the death of 16-year-old Brentrice Wilson New Year's Eve, who was allegedly shot and killed by a 12-year-old with a stolen semiautomatic handgun. Wilson, a Maplewood High School student, was the 16th youth victim of homicide in 2017. Not all of the 16 were classified as murders, according to Metro Nashville Police.

Metro Nashville Public Schools will have grief counselors at Maplewood when students return Wednesday.

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MNPS is saddened to learn about the tragic death of a 16-year-old Maplewood High School student. This is a heartbreaking event for all of us here at Metro Nashville Public Schools, especially the staff and students at Maplewood. The district is providing grief counselors to support faculty on Tuesday and students on Wednesday when they return to school. Our deepest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of this student.

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