NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) -- One teenager died and another was arrested following a Saturday evening shooting in the Hermitage area, officials said.
According to Metro Nashville dispatch, the incident was reported just after 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31 from the 4000 block of Hallborough Way.
The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) told News 2 that neighbors said they heard about five gunshots.
Zepplenin Phillips, 16, was reportedly found on the ground near his home with three gunshot wounds to the neck and chest and was brought to Vanderbilt by neighbors.
📧 Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts →
Clik here to view.
Authorities initially told News 2 the teen had life-threatening injuries, but officers at the scene later said the hospital told them he was pronounced dead.
MNPD announced on Sunday, Sept. 1 that 18-year-old Raphael Jobehdari -- who was identified as a suspect after detectives learned Phillips communicated with him about buying a gun and sent him money -- had been arrested.
SWAT officers helped execute a search warrant at Jobehdari's home along Carl Miller Drive, where authorities said they also located and impounded the car that Phillips approached on Hallborough Way just before he was shot. Three firearms were reportedly seized during the search.
Jobehdari is being charged with Phillips' murder, officials said, adding that the motive appears to involve the "alleged anticipated sale of a gun."
This marks the second time Jobehdari has been involved in a fatal shooting this year, according to MNPD.
On Jan. 31, when Jobehdari was 17, he and 18-year-old Gavin Dauzart exchanged gunfire during a drug-related robbery in the parking lot at the Kroger shopping center in the 7000 block of Highway 70 South in Bellevue, police said.
Authorities said Dauzart died from his wounds, but Jobehdari was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he spent several days recovering after being shot in the abdomen and leg.
According to officials, Jobehdari claimed he shot Dauzart in self-defense. Following a review of the investigative file with the District Attorney’s Office, no charges were filed against Jobehdari at the time.
No additional details have been released about Saturday's deadly shooting.
📲 Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go.
📧 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.
💻 Find today's top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.
This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.
