The homeless man found shot to death this morning on a bench at Church Street and 5th Avenue North is identified as Edward Matthews, 46.
Central Precinct Officer Lloyd Sharp, working an extra-duty job through the Downtown Partnership, was making a routine check of the area when he saw Matthews on the bench and attempted to wake him. Matthews did not respond, at which point Officer Sharp saw blood on Matthews’ head. A closer examination revealed that the blood was the result of a gunshot wound.
Officers received information that Matthews was in the vicinity of Broadway and 5th Avenue late Monday night. It is not known when he arrived at the bench on Church Street. Detectives are pursuing leads, including talking with homeless individuals downtown about what they might have seen or heard during the night.
Matthews was known to officers downtown. He had been charged with 190 offenses over the past 20 years.
Anyone seeing Edward Matthews in the downtown area late last night or early this morning is urged to contact Central Precinct detectives at 862-7611. Persons can also call Crime Stoppers at 74-CRIME, or send an electronic tip to Crime Stoppers by texting the word “CASH” along with their message to 274637 (CRIMES), or by going online to www.nashvillecrimestoppers.com. Persons who contact Crime Stoppers qualify for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
Central Precinct officers continue to offer referrals and assistance to homeless individuals. During 2009, 1,060 offers of assistance have been extended, 675 of which have been refused.
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