Bahamian Man Fatally Shot in Nashville; Metro Police Launch Homicide Investigation
Nashville, TN – July 5, 2025
The Metro Nashville Police Department is investigating the tragic death of a Bahamian national who was fatally shot in the city late Friday night, sending shockwaves through both the local community and the Bahamian diaspora.
Authorities say the incident occurred around 11:45 p.m. near the intersection of Dickerson Pike and Douglas Avenue, a bustling area in East Nashville that has seen a troubling uptick in violent incidents in recent months. According to police, officers were dispatched to the scene following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound lying unresponsive in the parking lot of a convenience store.
Emergency medical services rushed the victim to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. The victim has been identified as 28-year-old Keeno Rolle, a native of Nassau, Bahamas, who had been living and working in the Nashville area for the past year.
🎓 A Life Full of Promise Cut Short
Friends and family say Rolle was a talented, kind-hearted individual who had come to the United States in search of better opportunities. He was employed as a technician at a local auto body shop and had dreams of opening his own business one day. Those close to him describe him as hardworking, respectful, and always smiling — a young man who was beloved by those who knew him.
“Keeno was more than a friend — he was like a brother,” said Marcus Allen, a co-worker and fellow Bahamian. “He came here to build a future. For his life to end like this, it’s just devastating.”
Rolle’s family in the Bahamas, heartbroken by the news, is reportedly working with the Bahamian Consulate to make arrangements for the return of his body and is calling for justice in the wake of his killing.
🔍 Investigation Ongoing
Detectives have yet to publicly name a suspect or motive but confirmed that surveillance footage from nearby businesses is being reviewed. Witnesses at the scene described hearing multiple gunshots and seeing a vehicle speed away moments after the shooting.
“At this point, we believe Mr. Rolle may have been targeted,” said MNPD Lt. Jason Carter during a Saturday press briefing. “We’re still trying to determine whether this was a personal dispute, a robbery, or something else entirely.”
The Metro Nashville Police Department is urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463 or online at nashvillecrimestoppers.com.
🌍 International Attention and Diplomatic Response
News of Rolle’s death has also drawn attention from officials in the Bahamas. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement offering condolences to his family and confirming that they are in contact with U.S. authorities to ensure a thorough investigation.
“The loss of a young Bahamian abroad under such tragic circumstances is deeply troubling,” the statement read. “We trust the Metro Nashville Police Department will conduct a full and transparent investigation into this matter.”
🕯️ Community Support and Remembrance
Locally, members of Nashville’s Caribbean community are rallying to support the Rolle family. A candlelight vigil is being organized for Monday evening at Hadley Park, where friends, co-workers, and supporters plan to gather in remembrance and solidarity. Organizers are also coordinating a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral and repatriation expenses.
As the investigation continues, Nashville mourns the loss of a young man whose dreams were cut short by senseless violence. For those who knew and loved Keeno Rolle, the grief is heavy — but so too is the resolve to ensure his story is not forgotten.
Anyone with information is urged to come forward. Justice for Keeno begins with truth — and with community.