In the summer of 2019, a verbal altercation in North Nashville tragically escalated, ending the life of 21-year-old William Summers Jr.. On June 25th, in the 1900 block of Salem Mason Drive, what began as a dispute ended in an exchange of gunfire that proved fatal for the young man. Witnesses reported that Summers had been arguing with at least one individual before the shooting occurred. The suspects were initially described as two Black men, one of whom had short twists in his hair.
The investigation into the death of William Summers Jr., a young athlete remembered with affection in his community, was conducted by Metro's North Precinct detectives. Their work led to the identification of two teenagers involved in the argument that preceded the shooting. On July 3, 2019, detectives arrested 18-year-old Blessing Burks, charging him with criminal homicide and the use of a gun in the commission of a felony.. He was subsequently held without bond.
Following Burks's arrest, the investigation continued, leading to a second suspect. A 17-year-old, Kenneth Dyer, surrendered to authorities at juvenile detention on the evening of Thursday, July 11, 2019. He was also charged with criminal homicide for his role in the death of William Summers Jr.. The diligent work of the detectives brought charges against the two individuals believed to be responsible for the fatal shooting that cut short a young life.
