On the morning of Sunday, November 2, 2025, the life of 26-year-old Jackailus Groves was cut tragically short outside the place he called “home” for the night. According to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), Groves arrived just after 3 : 15 a.m. at the Parc of Metro Center Apartments on Athens Way in Nashville, where his girlfriend lives.
When he exited his vehicle—a white Dodge Durango—he was struck by gunfire in what investigators believe to be a planned ambush. The shooter or shooters fled the scene in a vehicle, and Groves was found by a resident later that morning around 7 : 15 a.m. on a patio behind bushes.
Prior to arriving at the apartment complex, Groves had visited the LinQ Nightclub on Lafayette Street, the police confirmed.
His girlfriend—who is pregnant and has asked not to be identified—said that she heard what sounded like a “loud explosion noise” and looked outside only to find crime scene tape and realize the father of her unborn child lay dead steps away. She also claimed the gates at the complex had malfunctioned for days, leaving the “gated” community insecure, and worried that cameras might not have captured the vehicle that came through.
Family, friends and the broader Nashville community now mourn someone described as a joyful presence, a dedicated partner and son. Groves was said to have been happy, full of life, often smiling, loved music and rap, and had no known history of trouble. “He was a family man,” his girlfriend told reporters.
With his passing, those who knew him say there’s a void not just in his immediate circle but in their routines and memories: the shared laughs, music sessions, and future plans all frozen in time.
The MNPD homicide unit is treating the case as a targeted murder, not a random act. In a media release the department said detectives are actively pursuing leads in the early-morning killing of Jackailus Groves.
Authorities ask anyone with information—no matter how small—to contact Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Callers may remain anonymous and could qualify for a cash reward.
In the meantime, Groves’ loved ones are supporting each other and his memory with quiet reflections and shared stories of his warmth and presence. They hope his death will serve as a catalyst for justice, demanding not only accountability but also clarity for the family left behind.
As the investigation continues, the sadness remains palpable—but so too does the hope that someone, somewhere, holds the piece of the puzzle that brings answers for Jackailus, his girlfriend and their unborn child.
