On a Christmas evening that should have been filled with warmth and celebration, tragedy struck in Antioch, Tennessee. Anthony 'Jaylon' Gatewood Jr., a 25-year-old Black male, was fatally shot on December 25, 2023. The incident occurred at approximately 7:40 p.m. in the 4000 block of Pepperwood Drive, a residential area that became the scene of a somber investigation. When officers from the Metro Nashville Police Department arrived, they found Gatewood lying near the side of a residence.
Despite any efforts to render aid, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Gatewood had arrived at the Pepperwood Drive location in a silver Honda Accord with another individual, 24-year-old Corian Bowling. Bowling was also a victim of the gunfire, discovered lying next to the vehicle with gunshot wounds. He was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment and was reported to be in stable condition, with expectations of his survival. The reason for Gatewood and Bowling's presence at the residence has not been determined by authorities.
As the investigation into the death of Anthony Gatewood Jr. continues, no arrests have been made, and authorities have not publicly identified any suspects. The Metro Nashville Police Department has urged anyone with information regarding the shooting to come forward and contact Nashville Crime Stoppers. While the search for answers continues for Gatewood's family and community, it was noted by police that the surviving victim, Corian Bowling, had several outstanding warrants for various charges. Authorities indicated that he would be taken into custody upon his release from the hospital.
