Rodrigo Ernesto Ernie Aguilar, 60, was shot and killed outside his apartment complex in the Bellevue area of Nashville in the early morning hours of Saturday, May 27, 2023. He had returned from work about 1:30 a.m. and was unloading his vehicle. Surveillance footage showed him reacting to something off-camera; investigators believe he may have witnessed suspects attempting to break into cars and went to confront them. Shortly after walking toward that area he was found deceased on the grass outside an apartment.

Officers had responded to a shots fired call nearby just after 2 a.m. but did not find a victim or a crime scene then. Aguilar’s body was discovered by a civilian at 7:15 a.m. The community remembered him for his kindness, musical talent, membership at Charlotte Road Baptist Church, and work at a school. As of late 2024 no arrests have been announced and a reward of $40,000 has been offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

If anyone knew Ernie, saw anything that morning, or has information that could help investigators, please come forward.