Inconsolable mother pleads for justice after tragic shooting of her son

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A grieving mother is demanding that the man responsible for her son's death turn himself in as her family desperately seeks justice. Christopher Rhodes, a 25-year-old father, was shot and killed Saturday night, leaving his loved ones devastated.

The incident has left Angela Merrell not only mourning the loss of her son, but also dealing with the fact that her heart has been broken.

“I don't even know how a fight started – just senseless, to say the least,” Merrell said.

Chris Rhodes was not just a son, he was a devoted father. His life revolved around being the best father he could be to his young son.

“From Khyson's birth to his last breath, Chris was Khyson's father, and that's all he ever wanted to be – a good father, and that's what he was,” Merrell said.

However, Chris will never see his son grow up, play sports, graduate, or start a family of his own. His life ended abruptly in a violent confrontation that took place in front of his child's eyes.

Metro Nashville Police reported that the tragedy occurred as Chris and his girlfriend were moving furniture into their Richland Hills apartment.

The couple were approached by a suspect, which led to a physical altercation between the two men that escalated into gunfire. The shooter fled the scene, leaving a heartbroken family behind.

Merrell and her family are now demanding accountability.

“We just want justice to be done. He needs to go to prison – and that's where he needs to go, as far as I'm concerned. He can't get away with that,” Merrell said.

Amanda Clarke, who was Chris' teacher at Hillwood High School, described him as more than just a former student.

“He was my schoolboy. Everyone who knew me knew how much I loved him,” Clarke said.

Clarke has set up a GoFundMe page to cover funeral expenses and provide Khyson with counseling in the hopes of providing him with support in the face of his unimaginable grief.

The investigation is ongoing and the homicide squad says it is following up on strong leads.

Do you have any further information about this story? You can email me at ([email protected]).

She is over 80 and almost blind. Woman from Franklin continues to crochet for those in need

“Here's a great story that proves that everyone has something to give, regardless of age OR personal challenges. Our Austin Pollack introduces us to Ms. Sylvia Mooney. At 80 years old, she is not sitting still. Instead, she is using her skills to create compassion for others… one stitch at a time. Her crochet work goes to nonprofits to help our homeless neighbors. You might be surprised to know that she manages to do all of this while battling a serious health issue. Bravo Sylvia!”

-Rhori Johnston