On the afternoon of August 13, 2020, 23-year-old Robert Coughlin placed a 911 call from his Nashville apartment in the 600 block of Shelby Avenue reporting he had been shot by two men inside the unit. Officers found him unresponsive on the building’s fire escape; he was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and died of his injuries.

Investigators say evidence inside the apartment showed a struggle and believe robbery was the motive. Detectives also believe Coughlin was likely acquainted with his assailants. Shortly after the shooting, two young Black men were seen fleeing in a silver sedan. Police later identified Evan Smith-Erving, 23, as the registered owner of a silver Mercedes‑Benz C320 that was observed leaving the area and asked the public for information about his whereabouts and the vehicle.

No arrests have been publicly announced and the case has gone cold. Anyone with information that could help solve Robert Coughlin’s murder is asked to come forward.