In the winter of 2014, a young man's life was tragically cut short in what investigators believe was a robbery gone wrong. Gregory Leon Johnson, a 26-year-old man, was shot on February 23, 2014, near the intersection of Joseph Avenue and Grace Street in East Nashville. After being shot, Johnson's black Volkswagen Jetta crashed into the parking lot of a Salvation Army. He was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
His passing at the age of 25 was mourned by his family and friends.
The investigation into Johnson's death led authorities to 21-year-old Michael Dewayne Wright Jr. Investigators believe that Wright shot Johnson during an attempted robbery. Wright was later apprehended in Louisville, Kentucky, on unrelated charges of carrying a concealed weapon, possession of cocaine, and evading arrest. He was subsequently charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with Johnson's death and was awaiting extradition back to Tennessee to face these charges.
Authorities also believe there may be a connection between Johnson's murder and the subsequent death of a woman named Daresha Cole, who was found deceased in her car shortly after Johnson was killed. It is thought that Cole may have had knowledge about the circumstances surrounding Johnson's shooting. The investigation into both deaths has continued, with the possibility of additional suspects being identified as law enforcement continues to seek justice for both victims.
