NASHVILLE, TN – A 32-year-old male, Melvin Varela-Alvarado, is facing serious charges for allegedly shooting his niece’s former boyfriend. The incident took place in the early morning hours of January 31, 2024, in the 5000 block of Nolensville Pike in Nashville, Tennessee. Officers were dispatched to the location following a 911 distress call about a shooting case.
Upon arrival, officers discovered that the shooting victim had already left the scene. He’d been privately transported to Southern Hills Hospital. However, due to the significant nature of his injuries, he required further treatment and was subsequently transferred to Skyline Hospital.
Authorities explain that during an interview on February 1, the victim reported expecting his ex-girlfriend to arrive at his residence to collect personal items. Unexpectedly, the ex-girlfriend arrived with her uncle, Varela-Alvarado. A confrontation regarding the couple’s breakup ensued. During the confrontation, Varela-Alvarado allegedly shot the victim twice, both in the abdomen and leg.
Despite his injuries, the victim managed to escape to a waiting vehicle, driven by a cousin who witnessed the events, and reached the hospital. Detectives, as part of the investigative process, identified Varela-Alvarado as the shooting suspect.
The suspect was arrested on May 3 and subsequently charged with felony aggravated assault causing serious bodily harm. Presently, Varela-Alvarado remains in jail with bail set at $100,000.