In the spring of 2016, a burst of violence on a Nashville street cut short the life of a young man, leaving a case that continues to seek answers. Rodrick Mason, a 23-year-old African American male, was fatally shot on the evening of March 26, 2016. The incident unfolded in the 1600 block of 14th Avenue North, a residential area that became the scene of a frantic chase and deadly confrontation.
According to witnesses, two unidentified Black males were seen pursuing Mason, firing multiple shots at him as he ran. The chase ended when Mason collapsed in front of a house, having sustained several gunshot wounds. Emergency services were called to the scene, and he was quickly transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Rodrick Mason succumbed to his critical injuries and was pronounced dead.
Investigators determined that the assailants fled the scene immediately after the shooting. They were seen getting into a dark gray or green Nissan, a vehicle distinguished by its custom rims and tinted windows. This car became a key piece of evidence in the initial investigation, though it did not lead to the immediate identification of the suspects.
In the years that have followed, the investigation into Roderick Mason's murder has remained active, eventually being classified as a cold case. The Metro Nashville Police Department's Cold Case unit continues to seek new leads and information from the public that could bring a resolution to the case. To date, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified in connection with the homicide. The motive behind the shooting also remains unclear. The case stands as an open wound for the family and community, a story without a final chapter, awaiting a breakthrough that will lead to justice for Rodrick Mason.
