MADISON, NASHVILLE | PUBLIC SAFETY | November 2, 2026
Quick Take
- Two 16-year-olds face homicide charges in the October 15 shooting at Birchstone Village Apartments in Madison.
- John J. Diaz, 21, was killed, and his 14-year-old brother was critically wounded while the two sat in a car.
- Police say they are looking at a possible robbery motive, and the investigation is still open.
What’s happening?
Metro Nashville police have arrested two teenagers in the deadly shooting of a young man who was making food deliveries with his little brother. Chad T. Wright and De’Nylen Montgomery, both 16, are each charged with criminal homicide, attempted criminal homicide, and engaging in a criminal conspiracy. Police released both names and booking photos after the arrests.
The family has said John Diaz had been delivering food through DoorDash for more than a year and often brought his younger brother, Alan, along. The brothers were on a delivery when the shooting happened.
Where and when?
The shooting happened around 7:45 PM on Thursday, October 15, in the parking lot of Birchstone Village Apartments on North Dupont Avenue. Police say the brothers were sitting in a black Infiniti when several people walked up and opened fire. The shooters then ran away.
Diaz was taken to Skyline Medical Center, where he died. His brother was rushed to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in critical condition.
Officers arrested Wright at his Nashville high school on Friday, October 30. Detectives with the department’s TITANS Unit arrested Montgomery later that night on Rio Vista Drive.
By the Numbers
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Victim killed | John J. Diaz, 21 |
| Victim wounded | His brother, 14 |
| Teens charged | 2 |
| Charges each teen faces | 3 |
Who feels it most?
The Diaz family is grieving a son who was out working to earn money, while waiting on the recovery of their youngest. Police have not released an update on the 14-year-old’s condition.
Residents at Birchstone Village are also shaken. The shooting happened in a busy parking lot in the evening, when families are coming home and delivery drivers are dropping off orders. Many neighbors say they now feel uneasy walking to their cars after dark.
What should you do?
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Metro Nashville police or call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Tips can be shared anonymously.
Delivery drivers can also take simple steps to stay safer. Stay alert in parking lots, keep doors locked while waiting, and share your location with a family member during evening shifts.
What comes next?
Homicide Unit Detective Jeff Jobe is leading the investigation, which remains active. Police first said three people were involved in the attack, and they have not said whether more arrests are expected.
Because both suspects are 16, their cases begin in Davidson County Juvenile Court. Prosecutors may ask for them to be transferred to adult criminal court.
Have a question about what’s changing in your neighborhood? Send it to Nash News at nash-news.com and we may answer it in our next report.
