Woman found shot on hiking trail in Nashville, Tennessee; police search for killer

HERMITAGE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Metro Police are still searching for the killer of a 20-year-old woman who was found with a gunshot wound to the head along the Alta Lake Greenway near the Hermitage Trailhead on Dodson Chapel Road.

Visitors told News 2 that such news was shocking.” (There are) There isn’t much crime in this area at all, but of course the population has grown,” said Carolyn, who comes here frequently.

“There are so many eyes and potential witnesses and families,” said Ralph, who is from out of state. “Yeah, I mean, it feels like a safe place on the surface.”

Metro Nashville Police identified the victim as 20-year-old Jamani Parker.

According to police, Parker was found unconscious by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers personnel on Sunday morning.

Authorities said Parker was taken to the hospital, where she died. The medical examiner’s preliminary autopsy determined she was fatally shot, but police have not released any information about the circumstances.

“It’s really heartbreaking because as a woman you’re never safe,” said Caroline Holland, founder of Chicks with Kicks. “You’re never safe, that’s the truth and it’s really sad.”

The founder of Chicks with Kicks, a runner safety group, said to stay safe on trails, always run in a group, make sure someone knows where you are and stay alert at all times.

“If you want to listen to music while you run, wear an AirPod and keep your distance from strangers on the trail,” Holland explained. “And I think it’s very important to make eye contact when you pass someone on the trail. Turn around after you pass and make sure the other person hasn’t turned around and followed you.”

Carolyn often goes hiking with her dog on the trails. She says that whenever she goes there, her head turns and Monday is no different.

“I’m just careful where I’m going, and I’m not going alone,” Carolyn said. “And there are so many people who walk this path alone.”

“Don’t go out alone, not just in this one area where this incident occurred, but in general,” Holland warned. “Even in places where you felt safe, you shouldn’t get into a routine of feeling safe. As sad as that is.”

Holland also recommends using apps that track your location and alert police if you stop too long, like Vanderbilt Vandy Safe or Noonlight.

According to Metro Police, the murder investigation is still ongoing. No suspects have been arrested yet, they said. However, police told News 2 that there is no danger to the public.

If you have any information regarding this fatal incident, you are asked to call Nashville Crime Stoppers at: 615-742-7463.