Metro Police detectives investigating self-defense claim in deadly bowling alley shooting
Police believe the shooting stemmed from previous bad blood regarding rival high schools.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Metro Nashville Police Department detectives continue to investigate a deadly shooting that happened Saturday night at a Hermitage bowling alley.
MNPD says Demarius Donnell Itiat, 20, was shot to death inside the Strike and Spare Family Fun Center on Lebanon Pike after an argument with a group of four people.
“I’m very surprised to be honest,” bowling regular Braden Neal said.
Neal says he and his teammates usually go to the Strike and Spare in Hermitage to practice on Sundays. They bowl for their high school in Wilson County.
“I like the environment every time I come up here,” Neal said.
They’d show up to find the bowling alley closed on Sunday due to the shooting.
Police say the group of four people voluntarily came into the station to be interviewed. They say a 23-year-old man is now claiming self-defense in the shooting, which is being investigated by detectives.
Police believe the victim and the group went to rival high schools and had prior issues with each other.
Neal says his concern turns toward the families and others who were caught in the middle of a feud just trying to enjoy their night out.
“I mean I know that there’s always a lot of people here on Saturday nights, people just trying to have fun and bowl,” Neal said. “But that’s very tragic. Anyone who lost their life, I hope that the Lord is with them, and I pray for them.”
As of Sunday night, no arrests have been made while detectives work to get to the bottom of the incident.
Copyright 2024 WSMV. All rights reserved.
