Murfreesboro Police Arrest Six in Series of Drive-By Shootings; One Suspect Still at Large

Murfreesboro Police Arrest Six in Series of Drive-By Shootings; One Suspect Still at Large

Murfreesboro, Tenn. – June 27, 2025 – A string of retaliatory drive-by shootings over the course of just a few days has rocked the community of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, prompting swift action by the Murfreesboro Police Department Criminal Investigations Division Violent Crimes Unit. Detectives have arrested six individuals—including multiple teenagers—in connection with a series of targeted shootings that left one 11-year-old girl injured and rattled several neighborhoods.

Timeline of Violence: A Week of Escalating Shootings

The first in a series of incidents occurred on Sunday, June 22, around 10:05 a.m., at the Abbington Apartments on Bradyville Pike. A shooter, driving a blue Volkswagen sedan, opened fire on a group of individuals. Bullets struck two apartment units, but, fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Kevin Hatter, 20, was arrested along with two 16-year-old juveniles. Hatter is now facing multiple charges, including:

• Reckless Endangerment
• Vandalism
• Possession of an Altered License Tag

The two juveniles, whose names have not been released due to their age, face separate but related charges.

Retaliation Leads to More Gunfire

The violence escalated the following day, Monday, June 23, at approximately 7:23 p.m.. Police say the intended targets of the Abbington shooting retaliated by firing at a group of mini-bike riders on Greenland Avenue. Although no one was struck by gunfire in this incident, the danger to bystanders was significant.

Police quickly arrested:

• Ke’Marion Bass, 19
• Kameron Dunnaway, 18

Both were charged with:

• Felony Reckless Endangerment
• Felony Vandalism

Investigators also identified Ny’Esha Lawrence, 19, as a suspect in this incident. She is currently wanted and remains at large. Warrants have been issued for her arrest.

Child Injured in Third Retaliatory Shooting

Later the same evening, at 10:05 p.m., yet another retaliatory shooting occurred at Green Meadows Apartments on Warrior Drive. According to detectives, Benjamin Hicks, 19, opened fire from a vehicle, allegedly targeting Bass and Dunnaway in response to the Greenland Avenue incident.

This time, the consequences turned tragic:

A bullet pierced a nearby apartment, injuring an 11-year-old girl who was inside her bedroom at the time. The child was taken to a local hospital for treatment and is expected to recover. In addition to her injury, an SUV and another car were damaged by stray gunfire.

Hicks now faces serious charges, including:

• Attempted First-Degree Murder
• Reckless Endangerment
• Aggravated Assault
• Vandalism

Law Enforcement: Targeted and Isolated Group

Detectives say that these shootings were not random but targeted acts of retaliation between a small group of individuals, all seemingly connected by interpersonal disputes. Police emphasized that while the violence was deeply concerning, it did not involve larger gangs or wider community threats.

“This was an extremely dangerous chain of events, but we want the public to know that these were targeted attacks between individuals who knew each other,” said a Murfreesboro Police Department spokesperson. “However, innocent lives were still impacted, and that’s something we cannot and will not tolerate.”

Current Status of Suspects

• Kevin Hatter is being held at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center on a $63,500 bond. His court date is set for September 8, 2025, in General Sessions Court.
• The two juvenile suspects have been released from the Rutherford County Juvenile Detention Center pending further court proceedings.
• Ke’Marion Bass and Kameron Dunnaway remain in custody, each on $36,000 bond, with court dates also set for September 8.
• Benjamin Hicks is being held on a $1 million bond, reflecting the severity of his charges. His hearing is likewise scheduled for September 8.
• Ny’Esha Lawrence remains on the run. Police are urging her to surrender and asking the public for any information on her whereabouts.

Community Reacts to Violence

The shootings have raised concerns among residents in affected neighborhoods, especially following the injury to a child. Police have increased patrols in key areas and are working with community leaders to prevent further violence.

“It’s heartbreaking that a child was caught in the crossfire,” said one community member. “We need to do more to keep our neighborhoods safe and support young people before things spiral like this.”

Call for Information

The Murfreesboro Police Department continues to seek tips related to these incidents, especially regarding the whereabouts of Ny’Esha Lawrence. Anyone with information is asked to call Murfreesboro CrimeStoppers at (615) 893-7867 or submit an anonymous tip online.

SUMMARY OF ARRESTS:

The Murfreesboro Police Department urges residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. These arrests mark a major step in halting the recent wave of violence, but investigators stress that community cooperation remains essential.

To report information:

Call Murfreesboro CrimeStoppers at (615) 893-7867

Stay tuned for updates as this case continues to unfold.