An arrest warrant charging criminal homicide has been issued against convicted felon Theymous Hicks, 40, for last night’s fatal shooting that claimed 19-year-old Rodney Bates Jr. in the 700 block of South 7th Street in the James Cayce public housing development. Neither man was a resident.
Officers responded to shots fired at 10:15 p.m. and located Bates, who had multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he died.
Hicks and Bates had reportedly argued earlier in the day. The motive remains under investigation.
Hicks is a registered ex-con for weapons violations with prior convictions for rape and aggravated assault. He was serving a six-year probated sentence for a 2018 cocaine possession conviction from which he had absconded.
Anyone who sees or knows Hicks’ whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward.
