Nashville, TN — A man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder more than a year after a fatal shooting on Rosa L. Parks Boulevard that claimed the life of a 24-year-old man and left others injured.
Kealin Hicks, 27, was taken into custody on December 30, 2024, following an indictment on two counts of premeditated first-degree murder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder in connection with the shooting. The incident occurred in the early hours of August 27, 2023, near an entrance ramp to Interstate 65.
According to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), 24-year-old Diandre Starks was driving a stolen Honda Pilot when he was shot multiple times by Hicks. The vehicle then crashed and caught fire, with Starks transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries the following day.
In addition to Starks’ death, the gunfire also struck a Jeep Cherokee occupied by two individuals. The 23-year-old driver of the Jeep reported hearing the shots and ducking to avoid being hit before crashing the vehicle. Neither occupant was injured. Another person, a 23-year-old man from Georgia, was later treated for a non-critical gunshot wound at TriStar Centennial Medical Center. Authorities believe at least 40 rounds were fired during the incident.
The shooting raised concerns for nearby drivers, as the gunfire created a dangerous situation along the busy roadway.
On December 30, officers located Hicks driving a stolen Infiniti sedan. When they attempted to pull him over, Hicks fled the scene, leading officers on a brief pursuit. After deploying spike strips to stop the vehicle, Hicks attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended shortly thereafter.
A search of the car revealed two pistols, marijuana, and several key fobs, according to the MNPD. Hicks was arrested and taken into custody without further incident.
Hicks is currently facing serious charges related to the shooting that led to Starks’ death and injuries to others. Authorities continue to investigate the case, which had remained unsolved until this recent arrest.
