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Teen shot, killed while defending family during Nashville home invasion

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – A 17-year-old was shot and killed inside his home late Tuesday night while likely defending his family, according to Metro police.

It happened at a home in the 1000 block of Capitol Point, in the J. Henry Hale Apartments near Charlotte Avenue and 16th Avenue North, just before midnight.

Metro police said four people were asleep in the home-the male victim, his mother, stepfather and grandfather- when two suspects kicked in the door and demanded the family go to a hallway.

Police said the 17-year-old likely intervened during a struggle and the suspect took him to a different part of the home from his family and shot him in the chest.

He was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he died. His step-father was beaten with a gun.

Investigators initially thought this might have been a targeted crime though now they are investigating the possibility the suspects targeted the wrong house.

Police say they’ve found nothing at this point to link the suspects to the victim and his family.

The Hillsboro High School student was identified as Ja’donte Thompson.

Metro Nashville Public Schools released a statement regarding the death of Thompson, which reads:

MNPS is sad to learn the 17-year-old killed last night was a current Hillsboro student. The district is providing grief counselors and has implemented the student death response protocol to support the students and faculty of Hillsboro HS. Our thoughts go out to that community and we will support them through this process.

Police are looking for two black men in their 30s. They are hoping surveillance video from nearby business will give them a better suspect description.

No additional information was released.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-74-CRIME.