Police Renewed Plea in 2016 Nashville Homicide
Authorities are seeking information in the unsolved shooting death of 29-year-old Ryan Scott Trent.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Violence
Metro Nashville Police continue to investigate the 2016 shooting death of Ryan Scott Trent, who was 29 years old. Officials are revisiting the case as the ten-year anniversary of the homicide approaches.
Why it matters
Law enforcement seeks to generate new leads in the cold case to provide closure for the victim's family and ensure justice is served. Persistent investigative efforts remain critical for resolving decade-old violent crimes in the city.
The Metro Nashville Police investigation into the death of Ryan Scott Trent remains active after 10 years. Witnesses are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.
The players
Ryan Scott Trent
He was a 29-year-old man who died from a gunshot wound in a 2016 incident in Nashville.
Metro Nashville Police
The local agency is responsible for investigating crimes and managing cold case files within the city of Nashville.
The details
Officers responded to a report of a vehicle leaving the road shortly before 3 a.m. on September 28, 2016. They discovered a white Chevrolet Silverado off Ellington Parkway near the Briley Parkway West Overpass, where the victim had struck a tree after sustaining a fatal gunshot wound.
Timeline
September 28, 2016: Ryan Scott Trent was fatally shot.
September 28, 2026: Marks ten years since the murder.
Legal Context
This ongoing investigation mirrors broader municipal efforts to re-examine cold cases that have remained unsolved for over a decade. Such retrospective reviews are essential for maintaining the integrity of the local justice system and addressing historical violence.
Residents are encouraged to review their memories of the Ellington Parkway area from late 2016 to assist investigators. Providing information to Crime Stoppers helps ensure public safety and supports the ongoing pursuit of justice for the community.
The takeaway
Unsolved cases often rely on new information surfacing years after the original incident to reach a resolution. Community members can help progress these investigations by reporting any details, however small, to the appropriate authorities.
Further reading
For more information on similar investigations in the area, visit the Nashville Violence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wsmv.
