NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — New developments have emerged in the tragic shooting death of a family dog at a beloved Nashville Park. Nearly two weeks after the incident, it has been confirmed that the District Attorney’s office is now conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, leaving many to wonder if any criminal charges will be brought forth.
The German Shepherd, affectionately named Duke, lost its life at Percy Warner Park a decade ago, and a makeshift memorial stands as a testament to the widespread outrage and grief triggered by the incident.
The tragic event unfolded on a Wednesday morning when a flurry of 911 calls reported shots fired at the popular park. Among those calls, NewsChannel 5 has obtained recordings, including one from the individual responsible for Duke’s demise.
In the 911 call, the man expressed his uncertainty about the appropriate course of action: “I don’t know what the right thing to do is but call it in,” he said. The emergency line inquired, “Are they there?” to which the man responded, “The owners are there, yeah, they’re in pieces.”
One key factor complicating the situation is that the dog, Duke, was off its leash, in violation of park rules. However, Ariana Kaufman, a witness, offered her perspective, describing Duke as a friendly dog with a wagging tail. “It looked like a really sweet dog. And I started petting the dog, playing with the dog,” Kaufmann recalled.
As the investigation unfolds, the Nashville community remains hopeful for answers and accountability, seeking clarity on the circumstances that led to this heart-wrenching incident.
