Jason Covington, 17, was killed in the shooting late Thursday evening.NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
A 17-year-old died after he was shot near downtown Nashville late Thursday evening.
The shooting occurred around 6:30 p.m. on University Court in the Tony Sudekum public housing development.
Witnesses told police Jason Covington was watching several girls argue on a nearby sidewalk before he was approached by a gunman who asked who he was and then opened fire.
Police said the suspect fled the scene on foot. Covington was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
Regina Weems, the boy's mother, told Nashville's News 2 Friday her son was sad and depressed.
"He was a heartbroken young man, just going through some things," Weems said.
She said she talked to Covington about getting help before he left her home on Monday. That was the last time she saw him.
Weems described her son as an outgoing boy who would fight for his friends. She believes he probably died defending one of the girls in the argument.
"He stuck up for people he cared about and I feel like, I know that's what got him killed. He was looking out for someone else," Weems told Nashville's News 2.
According to Weems, Covington only knew one of the girls involved in the argument. She believes the killing was gang related.
The 17-year-old was a student at Pearl Cohn Magnet School. He was also the father of a one-year-old girl.
Funeral arrangements for the teen were incomplete Friday.
The investigation is ongoing.
Metro police had not immediately determined why Covington was targeted by the gunman.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 74-CRIME.
Citizens can also send an electronic tip to Crime Stoppers by texting the word "CASH" along with their message to 274637 (CRIMES).
