East Nashville Neighbors Shocked After Deadly Attack in Edgefield Area

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Gloria Drake has lived in Nashville her whole life and said she’s always hiking in the Edgefield area.

She says as times changed, she continued walking during the day. Although she wasn’t in the area of ​​South 5th and Russell Street on Monday night, she was shocked to learn what happened.

“I’m surprised and bothered,” Drake said. “This area is a good area.”

Metro Nashville police say they found 59-year-old James Sutton lying in the intersection around 8 p.m. Monday. Sutton suffered traumatic brain injury and multiple broken ribs, which is why police initially thought it was a hit-and-run incident.

Sutton later died at a local hospital.

“Why would anyone want to have that kind of heart,” said Rodney Corley. “It’s bad… it’s sad, very, very sad.”

After searching surveillance of the area, police said they saw someone physically assaulting Sutton. That’s why detectives have now streamlined their investigation.

“I’ll be apprehensive when I come here because the people are different,” Corley said.

Friends of Sutton tell us he was a war veteran, serving as a tank commander during his time in the service. He also spent time at Community Care Fellowship, which is a local ministry.

As police search for the victim, people like Corley say the community needs to come together to find the person or people responsible.

“When you see people acting like this it’s because they are suffering,” Corley added. “Hurt people hurt people.”

MNPD has not released any suspects or surveillance of the incident.

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