Erik William Helffenstein was 45 when he was shot and killed in Nashville on October 29, 2018. Described as a Gentle Giant, he was a husband and father of two, originally from Buffalo, New York, who enjoyed woodworking and the outdoors. That evening he confronted people who were breaking into a vehicle outside his home in the Traceside subdivision. The suspects fled in a black SUV; Helffenstein pursued them in his own car down Highway 100 in Bellevue. During the chase shots were fired from the suspects’ vehicle and Helffenstein was struck and fatally wounded.

A black Nissan Rogue later tied to the incident — reportedly stolen in Mt. Juliet — was found abandoned in a parking area at an apartment complex in Hermitage. Investigators identified two men who used stolen credit cards belonging to the Rogue’s owner, but neither provided meaningful information about the killing. The case remains unsolved. If anyone saw the pursuit on Highway 100 or has information about the stolen Nissan Rogue or the individuals involved, please contact detectives.