Belmont University Freshman Fatally Shot by Stray Bullet in Nashville Park Nashville, TN - Tragedy struck Belmont University when one of its freshmen, Jillian Ludwig, lost her life after being struck by a stray bullet while walking on a trail near the campus. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at Edgehill Memorial Gardens Park, according to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Ludwig, described as an 18-year-old music lover and avid runner, was walking on the track when shots were fired by a man on a nearby street. The suspect is currently in custody.

This deranged killer previously shot at a woman & her 2 kids. Nashville DA Glenn Funk @DavidsonCoDA deemed him "unfit for trial". So he was released.

Then he carjacked someone. $20k bond & he was released AGAIN.

Now 18yr old Jillian Ludwig attending Belmont University is DEAD pic.twitter.com/bGIOZsOJST

— Jason Premo (@JasonPremoAero) November 10, 2023

It was determined that Ludwig was shot and immediately collapsed, but unfortunately, she went unnoticed until about an hour later when a passerby spotted her and alerted the authorities. She was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in an extremely critical condition but tragically passed away overnight. The incident once again highlights the ongoing problem of gun violence in the United States, where innocent individuals, like Ludwig, are the unfortunate victims. Incidents like these serve as a harsh reminder that everyday activities such as work or leisure can be violently interrupted by senseless acts of gun violence.

This issue has affected countless lives, including those of a pregnant woman in Massachusetts, who lost her unborn child after being hit by a stray bullet while riding a bus, and a 10-year-old boy in California, who was fatally shot while playing with his cousins. Nashville police used vital resources like video surveillance and witness information to apprehend the 29-year-old suspect, who confessed to firing the shots during an interview with detectives at police headquarters. He also claimed to have given the weapon to another individual.

As a result of Ludwig's death, authorities are working closely with prosecutors to modify the charges against the suspect. He was originally charged with aggravated assault and evidence tampering, and now faces additional charges for failing to appear in court related to a September carjacking incident. In response to this devastating incident, Belmont University President Greg Jones expressed his condolences to the university community, describing Ludwig as an engaged member of the community known for her love of music and uplifting those around her through her passion for the arts. The university held a prayer service on campus, with city leaders joining students, faculty, and staff to mourn the loss.

A separate service was also held in Jillian's home state of New Jersey. In such difficult times, President Jones emphasized the importance of seeking support and encouraged those affected to take advantage of the university's counseling and support services. The tragic loss of Jillian Ludwig serves as a somber reminder of the need for continued efforts to address the issue of gun violence and ensure the safety of individuals in their everyday lives. (CNN - Chris Boyette contributed to this report.)