Arrest Warrant Obtained in Murder Investigation

On May 4, 2017 at 1:49pm officers responded to 920 Greenland Dr. (Student Quarters) for a

shooting. Officers arrived on scene within seconds (one officer was a block away and another had

just completed foot patrol at this location minutes before this occurred) and discovered the victim

outside apartment 106. Officers administered first aid until EMS arrived. The victim was

transported to Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital where he later died from his injuries. Multiple

witnesses were transported to the police department for interviews and the CID Forensic Services

Unit processed the scene. The victim is identified as Jessie Buford (2827 S. Rutherford Blvd.,

Murfreesboro; DOB: 1/12/94).

During the investigation, detectives executed a search warrant at 920 Greenland Dr. apt. 106 in

relation to suspected drug activity. Detectives also received corroborating statements from

witnesses that led to the identification of a suspect. Violent Crimes Unit Detective James Abbott

obtained a warrant for 1st Degree Murder against the suspect. Attempts to locate this person

have so far proven unsuccessful and the suspect has been entered NCIC. Attempts to locate the

suspect are currently underway and the investigation is still open, therefore, the name of the

suspect is currently not being released.

The MPD has had a significant presence in the area for several weeks resulting in over 200

criminal charges brought against individuals for traffic violations, drug possession, weapons

possession, and attempted murder for at least one prior shooting on Greenland Drive. The

Department is staffing extra officers in marked and unmarked patrol cars, having officers conduct

foot patrols, and increasing focus on drug investigations by the Vice/Narcotics and Gang Units.

The MPD is determined to stop the violence and hold criminals accountable through arrests and

prosecution to the fullest extent possible. We will continue our increased efforts to protect the

hard-working residents of this neighborhood.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or any other crime should call Crime Stoppers

at 615-893-STOP (7867).