NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — There are fewer homicides in Nashville turning into cold cases as the Metro Nashville Police Department's clearance rate increases to nearly 80%.

"I don't think you can ever, ever give a family true closure; we know that, we try to give them answers to cope," Lt. Brent Gibson, with the MNPD's Criminal Investigation Division, said.

According to the MNPD, there have been 42 homicides in the Metro Nashville area so far this year. A majority of them were reportedly domestic violence-related.

"Incidents of violence between roommates, non-intimate partners, but people who live together," Gibson told News 2.

Gibson said homicides involving domestic violence are extremely hard to predict and prevent, adding they happen quickly and a makeshift weapon is typically used. Authorities have reportedly seen an uptick in edged weapons, like knives and boxcutters.

"It's not a cliche, the first 48 hours are extremely important in any homicide investigation," he added.

Metro police say the percentage of cases solved is 78.5% — a rate that has grown over the years. The police department attributed the success to the three mains reasons: More personnel only working homicides, DNA testing, and the creation of the TITANS Unit, which help address neighborhood violence with boots on the ground.

"They [TITANS Unit] immediately begin gaining real time intelligence for us. I cannot say we would be where we are at currently without their assistance," Gibson expressed. "Everybody matters, all lives are precious."

Currently, there are nine homicide cases that remain open from 2025, according to the MNPD.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/mnpd-makes-progress-in-their-clearance-rate-for-homicides/