Reward established for information after Fisk University student Andre Bell was fatally shot on I-65

Investigation continues into Jan. 11 interstate shooting that killed a 20-year-old Fisk University student

A reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the person or people responsible for the fatal shooting of Fisk University student Andre Bell on Interstate 65 in Nashville. Investigators say the shooting occurred on Sunday evening, Jan. 11, 2026, on I-65 north at the interchange with I-40, as Bell was returning to campus with two fellow students.

Bell, 20, was driving a white Nissan Sentra after leaving a gymnastics event at the fairgrounds when a dark-colored sedan pulled alongside the vehicle, and someone inside the sedan fired multiple shots. Bell suffered a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he died the following morning, Monday, Jan. 12.

Police have said the motive has not been determined. The driver of the dark sedan did not stop and continued traveling away from the scene. Investigators have described the case as active and ongoing, with homicide detectives pursuing leads to identify the shooter and any other occupants involved.

What investigators say happened on the roadway

Two passengers in Bell’s vehicle told investigators they noticed a dark sedan in the left lane beside them. They reported being distracted by their cellphones when they heard gunfire and realized Bell had been hit. After the shooting, the Sentra slowed and spun back into traffic, colliding with a red pickup truck.

Evidence at the scene suggested the suspect vehicle may have sustained windshield damage, based on shattered glass recovered on the roadway. Investigators have sought public help in identifying the sedan and locating any video evidence from the area around the time of the shooting.

• Location: I-65 north at the I-40 interchange in Nashville
• Timeframe: shortly after 8 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026
• Suspect vehicle: described as a dark-colored sedan
• Potential identifying feature: possible windshield damage

Reward and request for public assistance

The total reward publicly announced in mid-January reached up to $10,000, combining a cash offer through Crime Stoppers and an additional federal reward for information that results in an arrest and indictment. Authorities have emphasized that tips can be provided anonymously through the Crime Stoppers tip line at 615-742-7463, including information about the suspect vehicle or dashcam footage from drivers who were in the area.

Investigators have asked anyone who traveled through the interchange around the time of the shooting to review dashcam video and report anything showing a dark sedan near the victim’s vehicle.

Fisk University confirmed Bell’s death and said counseling was being made available for students and athletes affected by the loss. The case remains under investigation.