Workplace Dispute Turns Fatal: U-Haul Worker Gunned Down by Coworker Over a Drink in West Nashville
A routine workday at a West Nashville U-Haul facility turned into a horrific scene of fatal violence when a minor argument between two colleagues escalated into a shooting. Fifty-six-year-old Fredrick Lytton lost his life after being ambushed and shot multiple times in the back by a 23-year-old coworker following a dispute over a beverage. The shocking incident, which unfolded shortly after 5 p.m. at the company’s Annex Avenue location, has left employees, local residents, and corporate leadership reeling as investigators piece together the disturbing sequence of events.
According to preliminary police reports released by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, Lytton and the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Devin A. Rice, engaged in a verbal altercation while on shift. The argument reportedly centered around a drink that Rice had purchased. As the verbal dispute intensified, Lytton chose to disengage from the confrontation, turning his back on his younger colleague and walking away to resume his regular duties and return toward his workstation.
Rather than letting the disagreement subside, Rice allegedly pulled out a handgun, quietly approached Lytton from behind, and opened fire. Investigators stated that Rice emptied his weapon directly into Lytton’s back, delivering catastrophic injuries before calmly putting the firearm away. Following the barrage of gunfire, Rice reportedly grabbed his personal bag and fled the facility before emergency responders could arrive at the scene.
Officers with the Metro Nashville Police Department rushed to the Annex Avenue business following a 911 call, discovering Lytton unresponsive and suffering from multiple severe gunshot wounds. First responders immediately rendered emergency medical aid at the scene before rushing the victim to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Despite the rapid intervention and subsequent life-saving efforts by trauma physicians, Lytton succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Detectives from the police department’s specialized divisions launched an immediate manhunt, tracking down Rice and taking him into custody the following day. During a subsequent interrogation and formal interview at police headquarters, Rice confessed to detectives regarding his involvement in the homicide, explicitly admitting that he had argued with Lytton over the drink before ambushing him from behind. Following the confession, authorities formally booked Rice and charged him with criminal homicide.
Corporate representatives for U-Haul expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragedy, confirming that company policies strictly prohibit employees from carrying firearms on company premises. Local residents near the West Nashville facility voiced widespread concern over workplace safety and the prevalence of gun violence, noting how quickly routine verbal disputes can turn lethal when weapons are accessible. As the legal proceedings move forward, prosecutors are preparing their case for the upcoming court appearances while the community continues to mourn the senseless loss of a longtime worker.
