Blog: KPD News & Alerts

Update on Fatal Shooting at Vista Apartments

The victim of the fatal shooting that occurred at the Vista Apartments on Sunday evening has been identified as Nikita Nunez, 29, of Knoxville, Tennessee.

At around 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 31, 2021, Knoxville Police Department officers responded to the Vista Apartments located off Lula Powell Drive in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located Mrs. Nunez unresponsive inside of a vehicle suffering from at least one gunshot wound. The victim was transported to the UT Medical Center, where she was pronounced deceased.

Based on investigation at the scene and witness information, a male suspect identified as 28-year-old Horace Andrew Tyler Nunez, the victim’s husband, is alleged to have shot the victim and fled the scene in a grey pickup truck. Following police response, efforts were immediately launched to locate the suspect. Continued investigative efforts ascertained that the suspect had fled north towards Kentucky following the shooting.

KPD personnel made contact with the Kentucky State Police, who were able to locate the suspect outside of Frankfort. At around 9:15 p.m., KSP units took the suspect into custody following a pursuit.

Nunez will be extradited back to Knox County on charges of first-degree murder, reckless endangerment and convicted felon in possession of a handgun. Additional charges are pending on the suspect from the KSP.

“The KPD extends its deepest gratitude to the Kentucky State Police and Lexington Police Department for their immediate response and unified efforts to locate and apprehend Mr. Nunez,” Chief of Police Eve Thomas said. “Without their urgent and collective actions, a suspect alleged to have committed a violent, heinous act would likely still be at large.”

Posted by serland On 01 February, 2021 at 11:33 AM