MNPD investigates fatal North Nashville shooting after caller reports finding man on 23rd Avenue North

What happened

Metro Nashville Police responded late Sunday night to a report that a man was found down in the 1700 block of 23rd Avenue North in North Nashville. Officers were dispatched at about 9:30 p.m. after a caller reported finding the man on the ground. The caller also told police that gunshots had been heard roughly 30 minutes earlier.

Police located the victim with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he later died.

Victim identification and initial scene details

The victim was identified as 66-year-old Frazier Bernard Lumpkins. Police said he was experiencing homelessness at the time of his death.

Investigators canvassed the surrounding blocks in an effort to identify potential witnesses and locate surveillance or doorbell-camera video that could help establish a timeline and the direction of travel of any suspect vehicle or person.

What investigators are looking at

Detectives are working to determine where the shooting occurred and whether the victim was shot at the location where he was discovered. In many outdoor shootings, investigators examine physical evidence such as shell casings, blood trail patterns, and damage to nearby structures to confirm the point of attack and whether the victim moved afterward.

A witness reported seeing Lumpkins walking up and down 23rd Avenue North earlier Sunday, between Osage Street and Buchanan Street. Detectives are assessing whether that activity is connected to the shooting and whether anyone interacted with him in the period before shots were reported.

Community information requested

Police are asking anyone who was in the area around the time of the reported gunfire to come forward, particularly residents and drivers who may have security video, doorbell footage, or recordings that captured the sound of shots or a person running or leaving the area.

• Location: 1700 block of 23rd Avenue North
• Time officers were called: about 9:30 p.m.
• Reported gunfire: approximately 30 minutes before the 911 call

Anyone with information is asked to contact Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.

What’s next

The case remains an active homicide investigation. Detectives typically continue follow-up interviews in the days after a fatal shooting, review any available video from nearby homes and businesses, and compare ballistic evidence to other incidents when shell casings are recovered. Police have not announced an arrest or released a suspect description.

nashville.news will update this report as additional verified details are released by authorities.