In the predawn hours of August 27, 2023, a violent encounter unfolded on Rosa L. Parks Boulevard in Nashville, Tennessee, that would claim the life of 24-year-old Diandre Starks, a male resident of the city. Starks was behind the wheel of a stolen Honda Pilot SUV when gunfire erupted near the I-65 entrance ramp. Struck by the barrage of bullets, he lost control of the vehicle, which then crashed and became engulfed in flames.
Responding Metro Nashville Police Department officers arrived
at the chaotic scene around 1:50 a.m. to find the SUV ablaze. They managed to pull Starks from the fiery wreck, discovering he had sustained gunshot wounds. He was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries the following day, August 28, 2023. The investigation into the shooting revealed a fusillade of at least 40 rounds fired from two or more firearms, indicating a significant and aggressive assault.
The investigation into Starks's death continued, and detectives from the Homicide and Specialized Investigations Division pursued leads to identify those responsible for the shooting. Their efforts led to a significant breakthrough with the arrest of 27-year-old Kealin Hicks. A grand jury indicted Hicks on charges of first-degree murder for the death of Diandre Starks. He was also indicted on two counts of attempted first-degree murder, as another vehicle, a Jeep Grand Cherokee with two occupants, was also struck by gunfire during the incident. Fortunately, the individuals in the Jeep were not injured.
Hicks's apprehension was not without further incident. When detectives attempted to stop him while he was driving a stolen Infiniti sedan, he fled. The pursuit ended after spike strips were successfully deployed, disabling the vehicle. Hicks then attempted to flee on foot but was quickly captured. A search of the stolen car uncovered two pistols, marijuana, and multiple key fobs. He is being held on a $250,000 bond as the investigation continues into the potential involvement of others in the shooting.
