NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Data from the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) has shows a surge in teen gun violence, with a more than 50 percent increase compared to the same time in 2023.
One recent case hit too close to home for one Hermitage neighborhood over Labor Day weekend. Police reported that 16-year-old Zeppelin Phillips was shot; neighbors reported that they heard roughly five gunshots.
One neighbor named Troy told News 2 that he worked to perform CPR on Phillips. Other neighbors also jumped in to help.
"It just goes to show just how the community reacted all together,” Troy said.
Zeppelin is just one of the 13-17 year-olds that have been hurt by gun violence so far in 2024; Phillips joins 38 others, according to data from MNPD. That's up from the 25 teen gunshot victims Nashville had seen by this time in 2023 — a staggering 52 percent increase.
"Violence is huge. I feel like it's really, it's sad to say, almost common in the Nashville area,” Troy said. “[I] just hear so many stories and to be a part of it is just surreal.”
MNPD said that Saturday's motive appears to involve an anticipated gun sale, and that firearms were recovered from the 18-year-old suspect's residence.
Although this tragedy still remains a major shock to Phillips' neighbors, they remain resilient and hope Phillips' family feels their support.
"It's very eye-opening. It's something that my family and I have never been a part of," Troy said. "Having a 2-year-old — how do we raise our kids to do the right thing? [We're] trying to give them the best care and the best love that we can."
A GoFundMe has been set up to help cover the cost of Phillips' funeral expenses. You can find more information on how to donate here.