In the fading daylight of a December evening in East Nashville, a burst of gunfire shattered the calm, leaving two men dead and a community in shock. On December 20, 2016, 34-year-old Donnie McFarland, a White / Caucasian male, was at a family member's home near Talbot's Corner with 30-year-old Mahri Hawkins. Their lives were cut short when a white Kia Optima drove by, and a violent exchange of gunfire erupted between the occupants of the car and the two men.
Both McFarland and Hawkins
were armed and returned fire, but they were ultimately overcome by the assault. McFarland was shot multiple times and died at the scene. Hawkins, also suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The suspects fled the scene in their vehicle, which was later discovered abandoned on Ben Allen Road.
Metro Nashville Police launched an investigation into the double homicide, pursuing what they described as strong leads in the case. However, despite their efforts, no arrests have been publicly announced, and the investigation into the deaths of Donnie McFarland and Mahri Hawkins remains an open and unresolved case. The incident left a lasting scar on the community, a stark reminder of the tragic consequences of gun violence.
