Full Breakdown
Two Men Charged with Murder of Fisk University Basketball Player Andre Bell
6/18/2026, 12:22:33 AM
Shooting and Investigative Findings
On January 12, 2024, Andre Bell, a 20-year-old sophomore at Fisk University and member of its basketball team, was shot while riding in his white Nissan Sentra after attending a gymnastics event at the Nashville fairgrounds. Witnesses in Bell’s vehicle reported a dark sedan pulling alongside them before gunfire erupted. Bell was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he died. Police identified Brayden Carter, 19, and Damarion Coleman, 18, both Murfreesboro residents, as suspects. Detectives said Carter’s girlfriend, a gymnastics team member, was the alleged motive; the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) described the motive as jealousy. Cell-phone data placed Carter and Coleman at the fairgrounds that night, and a pistol was recovered from Carter’s car.
Timeline
- Jan. 12 2024 – Bell shot after gymnastics event; pronounced dead at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
- Jun. 15 2024 – MNPD announces arrests; Carter apprehended during a vehicle jam, pistol seized; Coleman arrested at his Murfreesboro home by SWAT.
- Jun. 15 2024 – Judge sets Coleman’s bond at $250,000; he remains in custody pending a detention hearing.
Data & Statistics
- Ages: Andre Bell 20; Brayden Carter 19; Damarion Coleman 18 (17 at time of shooting).
- Charges: Carter faces first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, and three counts of using a gun in a dangerous felony; Coleman faces identical charges in juvenile court.
- Vehicles: Bell’s white Nissan Sentra; suspect vehicle described as a dark sedan.
Official Statements & Responses
The MNPD press release said the motive was jealousy and noted Carter’s girlfriend was a gymnastics team member. Bell’s family expressed relief at the arrests while acknowledging ongoing grief. A judge set Coleman’s bond at $250,000 and ordered detention pending a hearing.
Criticism & Opposition
Bell’s family emphasized that the arrests provide only limited comfort and do not erase the family’s pain, shock, and heartbreak.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The investigation relies on cellphone data and witness accounts; no independent verification of the jealousy motive has been released, leaving the exact trigger unconfirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- "The motive for the gunfire was jealousy." — Metropolitan Nashville Police Department press release
- "Carter's girlfriend was a member of the gymnastics team." — Metropolitan Nashville Police Department press release
- "We are relieved to learn that Metro Police have captured the suspects believed to be responsible for taking Andre from us." — Bell family statement
- "While this development brings a measure of comfort, it does not erase the pain, shock, and heartbreak our family continues to carry." — Bell family statement
What's Next
Coleman remains in custody pending a detention hearing; Carter’s grand jury indictment will proceed. Both face trial on multiple felony charges, and Fisk University officials continue to monitor the case.
