Case Summary
- Case Type
- Homicide
- Incident Date
- Oct. 15
- Incident Time
- 7:45 p.m.
- Location
- Birchstone Village Apartments on North Dupont Avenue, Nashville, TN
- Investigating Agency
- Law & Crime
- Suspect
- Chad T. Wright
- Suspect Age
- 16
- Victim Count
- 2
- Charges
- criminal homicide, attempted criminal homicide, engaging in a criminal conspiracy
- Arrest Status
- Arrested
- Case Status
- Active investigation
A 16-year-old suspect has been arrested and charged in connection with a shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, that left a 22-year-old DoorDash driver dead and his 14-year-old brother critically injured while they were making food deliveries.
According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, the incident unfolded on Oct. 15 in the parking lot of the Birchstone Village Apartments located on North Dupont Avenue in Madison, Tennessee, a neighborhood situated just north of downtown Nashville.
Incident Overview
On the evening of Oct. 15, 22-year-old John Diaz Santos and his 14-year-old brother Alan were working together, delivering food orders for DoorDash while driving a black Infiniti sedan. Their father later stated that Santos had been working for the delivery service for more than a year and had decided to bring his younger brother along with him on the deliveries after having dinner together.
At approximately 7:45 p.m., preliminary police findings indicate that an individual approached the brothers inside their vehicle and began shooting at them. Moments later, two additional men approached the sedan, and one of them also opened fire on the victims. Following the shooting, the suspects fled the scene on foot. In an attempt to escape the gunfire, Santos tried to drive away but ultimately crashed the vehicle into a nearby fence. First responders transported Santos to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. His younger brother was rushed to a children's hospital in critical condition.
Suspect Information
The suspect has been identified by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department as 16-year-old Chad T. Wright. Police arrested Wright on Friday, Oct. 30, at his high school. Investigators stated that a potential motive of robbery is currently under consideration as the investigation continues. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether they are actively seeking additional suspects in connection with the fatal shooting.
Victim Information
The victims in the case are two brothers. The older brother, 22-year-old John Diaz Santos, was killed in the shooting. A GoFundMe fundraiser created for the family described Santos as a loving, caring, and hardworking young man with many dreams and his whole life ahead of him. The younger brother, identified by the fundraiser as Alan, was shot in the head during the ambush and was initially hospitalized in critical condition. The current health status of the surviving brother remains unclear.
Police Response
Officers with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department responded to the scene of the shooting and crash at the Birchstone Village Apartments. Responding units secured the area, gathered preliminary evidence, and arranged for the emergency transport of both victims to area hospitals.
Investigation
The investigation into the shooting is being led by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Detectives have conducted interviews, reviewed the sequence of events, and are examining various leads, including the possibility that the ambush was motivated by an attempted robbery.
Arrest Details
Chad T. Wright was taken into custody by police on Friday, Oct. 30. The arrest took place at Wright's high school, according to statements released by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.
Charges Filed
- Criminal Homicide: An accusation of causing the death of another person unlawfully, representing the most serious charge filed in connection with the death of John Diaz Santos.
- Attempted Criminal Homicide: A charge reflecting allegations of an intentional attempt to take the life of the surviving 14-year-old victim during the same incident.
- Engaging in a Criminal Conspiracy: A charge alleging participation in an agreement with one or more other individuals to commit a criminal offense.
Court Information
Specific docket numbers and the scheduling of upcoming court appearances have not yet been released by judicial authorities in connection with this juvenile arrest.
Statements from Authorities
According to releases from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, the shooting remains under active investigation. Police stated that the preliminary investigation indicates multiple individuals approached the victims' vehicle and opened fire before fleeing the scene on foot. Authorities also noted that a potential motive of robbery is under active consideration.
Public Safety Information
Gun violence and violent crimes can cause severe emotional trauma for witnesses, families, and community members. Individuals affected by violent crime or seeking support can contact national resources such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, or reach out to local law enforcement agencies immediately by dialing 911 if they possess any information regarding criminal activity.
What Happens Next
Following the arrest of a suspect, the case typically moves through the juvenile or criminal justice system via initial court appearances, formal charging reviews, and preliminary hearings where prosecutors present evidence supporting the allegations.
