Police seek pair after late-night murder near nightclub

Metro police are looking for two men believed to be involved in the murder of a 21-year-old in a Murfreesboro Pike parking lot early Friday morning.

Hermitage Precinct detectives said two men tried to rob and then shot Jordan Gardner after a struggle in a parking lot at 1214 Murfreesboro Pike across the street from the Out of Bounds nightclub just before 2:30 a.m. Friday.

Police said the suspects are described as two black men, one approximately 5-feet-7-inches tall who wore a white T-shirt and is believed to be the gunman, and the other approximately 5-feet-10-inches tall who wore a dark shirt and ball cap.

Gardner, of Orchard Drive in Old Hickory, was talking with a friend and two women, according to police, when the two men approached and attempted to rob him. Shortly afterward, Gardner was shot. He died at the scene.

Witnesses told police Gardner flashed money inside Out of Bounds, but detectives have not determined that he and the two suspects argued prior to meeting in the parking lot.

Police urge anyone with information on Gardner’s murder to call Hermitage Precinct Detectives Johnny Crumby or Andrew Injaychock at 862-7749.

Persons can also call Crime Stoppers at 74-CRIME. Citizens can also send an electronic tip to Crime Stoppers by texting the word “CASH” along with their message to 274637 (CRIMES) or online at www.nashvillecrimestoppers.com [1].  Persons who contact Crime Stoppers by phone or text message can remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward.