College freshman from New Jersey critically injured in Nashville shooting
A college freshman from New Jersey was critically injured in a shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, on Tuesday night.
Jillian Ludwig, 18, was walking on the track in the Edgehill Community Memorial Gardens Park when she was hit in the head by a stray bullet.
Ludwig, who is from Wall Township, is said to be in extremely critical condition at Vanderbilt Medical Center.
Police said the gunfire came from public housing across the street and a suspect is in custody.
Shaquille Taylor, 29, is being charged with aggravated assault and evidence tampering in connection to the shooting. Police said he was shooting at a car when the bullet hit Ludwig in the head.
BREAKING: An 18-year-old female Belmont Univ student from NJ was very critically wounded by a gunshot Tue afternoon while walking on the track in Edgehill Community Memorial Gardens Park. The gunfire came from public housing across the street. Investigation active. pic.twitter.com/cClG6jSZfF
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) November 8, 2023
It may have been an hour before anyone knew she had been hit and before police responded.
The president of Belmont University, Dr. Greg Jones, sent a letter to students and faculty that said Ludwig is known for her love of music.
She is a music business major and bass player who loves running and enjoys being outside.
A prayer vigil was held in Nashville on Wednesday afternoon and the Ludwig family has asked for a vigil to be held in Wall on Wednesday night.
“Her mother texted this morning while the challenges are real… she wants us to all be praying for a miracle,” Jones said.
Pastor Tom Har with Calvary Presbyterian Church will lead the vigil in New Jersey.
“She is still fighting for her life, we do pray she makes a recovery but we also pray for the comfort and strength of the family, that’s what we hope to be doing,” Har said.