German Franco, 58, was killed after forced entry into his Ellington Place home in Nashville on the night of Wednesday, September 2, 2009. Shortly after 9:00 p.m. someone knocked; Franco answered and told the visitors to go away. Instead of leaving, they pushed inside and a close-quarters confrontation followed. At least one intruder was described as a Black male wearing a gray ski mask. Franco was shot, taken to a hospital, and died a few hours later.

No suspect identities, arrests, charges, or court proceedings are indicated; the case is presented as an active cold-case investigation and the department has requested public tips, including anonymous Crime Stoppers reports. The core facts center on the knock at the door, the refusal to leave, forced entry, and the fatal gunshot.

If anyone witnessed activity on Ellington Place that night or has information about the people at the door, please contact the Cold Case Homicide Unit or the department’s Crime Stoppers line.