Police seek assistance finding man involved in Napier murder

Metro police are working to identify the suspect who shot another man to death in front of the man’s own stepson Monday night.

So far, detectives believe 22-year-old Thomas Rutledge was driving a miniature four-wheeler through the J.C. Napier homes with his 4-year-old stepson riding along when the gunman shot and killed Rutledge, of Gillespie Drive in Antioch, just before 9:30 Monday night.

Rutledge’s stepson was uninjured, and the gunman quickly fled the scene. Detectives from the Hermitage Precinct continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting and are identifying persons of interest.

Police said Rutledge had an arrest history showing 42 offenses since 2007.

Police ask anyone with information about the shooting to contact Hermitage Precinct Investigations at 862-7727 or 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.