NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Five months after the fatal interstate shooting that claimed the life of a Fisk University student-athlete, investigators have arrested two teenagers and charged them with murder, alleging the attack was motivated by jealousy.
TITANS Unit detectives arrested 19-year-old Brayden Carter on June 19, 2026, during a vehicle stop shortly after he left his home on Melodic Way in Murfreesboro. Authorities said a pistol was recovered from the vehicle.
Carter’s co-defendant, 18-year-old Damarion Coleman, was arrested at a residence on Chelanie Circle by Murfreesboro Police Department SWAT officers.
The arrests stem from the Jan. 11, 2026, shooting death of 20-year-old Andre Bell, a member of Fisk University’s men’s basketball team.
According to investigators, Bell was driving his white Nissan Sentra on Interstate 65 North near the Interstate 40 East junction after attending a university gymnastics event at the Nashville Fairgrounds. Two teammates were riding with him as they returned to campus.
The passengers later told investigators they noticed a dark-colored sedan traveling alongside their vehicle in the left lane. Multiple shots were fired from the sedan into Bell’s vehicle.
Bell suffered a gunshot wound to the head and died from his injuries. His two teammates were not struck by gunfire.
The investigation, led by Detective Joshua Belk, determined the shooting was allegedly fueled by jealousy involving Carter’s girlfriend, who was a member of the university’s gymnastics team.
According to investigators, Carter reportedly became upset about other young men speaking with his girlfriend. Authorities allege Carter and Coleman attended the gymnastics event that evening and later followed Bell and his teammates from the fairgrounds.
Detectives believe the suspects intended to intimidate members of the basketball team and scare them away from Carter’s girlfriend.
Investigators said extensive cellphone data analysis played a key role in identifying the suspects and building the case.
A Davidson County grand jury indicted Carter on one count of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, and three counts of employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony.
A Criminal Court judge set Carter’s bond at $250,000.
Coleman faces the same charges in Davidson County Juvenile Court. Authorities said he was 17 years old at the time of the shooting and is being held pending a detention hearing.
The investigation remains ongoing.
