NASHVILLE, TN — Four teenagers were wounded when gunfire broke out early Sunday during an outdoor Halloween party in the 2600 block of Jefferson Street, and one of the victims, 14-year-old Jay’Ln Hodge, underwent nearly 12 hours of surgery, family members said.

The Facts

• What: Shots were fired into a crowd at an outdoor Halloween party, leaving four teenagers injured.
• Where: The 2600 block of Jefferson Street in Nashville.
• When: Early Sunday morning after Halloween night festivities.
• Who: Jay’Ln Hodge, 14; a 16-year-old girl; an 18-year-old; and a 15-year-old boy, according to police and family.
• Charges: No arrests or charges were announced in the information released by police.
• Status: Hodge remained in the ICU after surgery; police said at least some of the shots came from a vehicle.

What police say

Nashville police said the shooting happened during a gathering on Jefferson Street and that gunfire struck multiple teenagers. Officers said at least some of the shots were fired from a vehicle, but they have not publicly identified a suspect or said how many people may have been involved.

Police said the 15-year-old boy was first taken to General Hospital and initially told responders he had been hurt somewhere else. He later said he was on Jefferson Street and was transferred to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, along with the others.

Family members said Jay’Ln was in surgery for much of Sunday and later moved to intensive care. His aunt said doctors told the family his outlook appears positive, though recovery is expected to take time.

“It was a relief.”

That was how his aunt described learning he had survived the operation.

The investigation

Investigators are still piecing together who fired the shots and whether the gunfire came from more than one person. In shootings tied to a crowd, police typically work to identify witnesses, review nearby surveillance video, and compare statements from victims and bystanders with physical evidence from the scene.

Because police said some rounds came from a vehicle, investigators may also look for descriptions of the car, possible routes away from the area, and any damage or shell casings that can help reconstruct the sequence of events. Those details can be critical in separating rumor from reliable witness information.

Nashville Crime Stoppers is asking anyone with information to call 615-742-7463. Tips from people who were nearby, recorded video, or noticed a vehicle leaving the area could help detectives narrow the search and confirm what happened before and after the shooting.

What the charges mean

No charges had been announced in the information released by police, but if an arrest is made, the case would likely move through a standard Tennessee criminal process. In a shooting case, prosecutors first have to decide what charges fit the evidence, which can range from weapons offenses to serious assault counts depending on the facts.

Once a suspect is charged, a judge usually handles an initial court appearance where the person is informed of the allegations and advised of legal rights. In many cases, the court also considers bond, though the amount and conditions depend on the charge and the risk factors the judge weighs.

If the investigation produces enough evidence, the case can proceed to a grand jury or preliminary hearing, followed by later hearings where the defense and prosecutors exchange evidence. The process is often slow, especially when investigators are still collecting witness statements and forensic evidence.

What happens next

Police have not said whether they have identified any suspects in the Jefferson Street shooting. The case remains under investigation, and detectives are still asking the public for help.

For the Hodge family, the immediate focus is on recovery. Jay’Ln turned 15 on Monday, and relatives said the next stretch will be difficult even as doctors gave them encouraging signs after surgery.

Have information on a crime? Contact local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).