In a shocking turn of events at a Nashville U-Haul location, an employee is accused of fatally shooting his 56-year-old colleague over a heated exchange about a drink. According to police, the incident escalated quickly from a verbal dispute to gunfire.
On August 5, law enforcement officers detained 23-year-old Devin Rice after he allegedly took the life of Fredrick Lytton at the U-Haul store in Nashville, Tennessee. Lytton succumbed to his injuries shortly after he was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department reported that during an interrogation, Rice confessed to engaging in a dispute with Lytton over a beverage, which tragically ended with Rice pulling the trigger.
As police continue their investigation, Devin Rice, 23, faces charges of criminal homicide following the fatal encounter at the Nashville U-Haul. (MNPD)
Authorities have accused Rice of drawing a firearm and discharging several rounds at Lytton, resulting in his tragic death.
Officials said Rice fled the area after allegedly shooting Lytton, but was later arrested. Rice was arrested on charges of criminal homicide.
Joshua Houghtaylen, who lives in the area of the shooting, told WSMV that crime is getting worse and putting the onus on the city’s police to act.
Fredrick Lytton, 56, was fatally shot at a Nashville U-Haul on Aug. 5. A dedicated cross-country truck driver, he was remembered for his strong spirit and love of the open road. (Facebook/Fredrick Lytton)
“The crime here in Nashville is getting really bad,” Houghtaylen said. “Police need to do a better job at getting the guns off the street because there’s a lot of shootings in Nashville.”
In a statement to News Media, Jeff Porter, U-Haul area district vice president of Tennessee, said, “We are shocked and deeply saddened by what occurred. Our concern right now is being there to support the victim’s family and our Team Members affected by this tragic event.”
An obituary for Lytton states he’ll be remembered for “his strong spirit, perseverance, and love of life. A dedicated cross-country truck driver, Fred enjoyed the open road, NASCAR, animals, and classic country music.”
The U-Haul in west Nashville where police say Devin Rice, 23, fatally shot his 56-year-old co-worker, Fredrick Lytton, during a shift on Aug. 5 (Google Maps)
“Though Fred’s life was taken too soon, his memories and the love he shared with family and friends will remain forever,” the obituary said.