In the heart of West Nashville, a senseless act of violence claimed the life of 17-year-old Dominique Pirtle on a Friday afternoon, May 6, 2022. Pirtle, a male, was at the intersection of Elizabeth Jordan Street and Indiana Avenue with friends, assisting them with a flat tire. Having arrived at the location in the same vehicle as Pirtle, 15-year-old Lavell Newsome would soon become the center of the investigation into Pirtle's death.
Surveillance footage from the area captured the
harrowing moments as Newsome allegedly opened fire, shooting Pirtle multiple times. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, Dominique Pirtle did not survive his injuries. In the chaotic aftermath, Newsome was reportedly seen fleeing to a residence on Indiana Avenue, where he changed his clothes. Investigators believe he then contacted his mother, who is thought to have aided his departure from the scene.
The diligent work of Homicide and TITANS Unit detectives led to a breakthrough in the case. Lavell Newsome surrendered to authorities early the following morning and was charged with criminal homicide at Juvenile Court. Subsequently, an arrest warrant was issued for his 40-year-old mother, Sharon Newsome, for allegedly acting as an accessory after the fact. A significant piece of evidence, the pistol believed to be the murder weapon, was recovered from inside the Indiana Avenue home.
