Paul Park, accused of ambushing and fatally shooting a stranger who was exercising on a popular trail in Nashville, Tennessee, was scheduled to make his first court appearance on Thursday.
Park, 29, of Brentwood, was arrested less than 24 hours after Vanderbilt University graduate Alyssa Lockitt, 34, was found dead on the Mill Creek Greenway Trail.
Neighbors are fearful as the Nashville Metropolitan Police Department has not released a motive for the killing.
Park was charged with murder in connection with Rokit's death.
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Nashville police announced that a suspect was arrested within 24 hours of Alyssa Lockitt's murder. (Metropolitan Nashville Police Department/Vanderbilt University)
Park has a criminal history with two prior convictions, according to Williamson County court records obtained by FOX News Digital.
In 2017, Park was placed on probation as part of a judicial diversion after being arrested for domestic assault.
And in 2018, Park was sentenced to 10 days in jail and supervised probation for violating his original probation sentence after being arrested for drug possession with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell. One of the three drug charges was ultimately dismissed as part of a plea agreement, and Park pleaded guilty to the remaining two drug charges.
Lokitz's family releases a statement to local broadcasters WSMV4, He described her as “a force that cannot be ignored.”
“Dr. Alyssa Lockitz was a force to be reckoned with: driven, successful, smart, and extremely talented. Her fearless spirit and unwavering love are what people got to know her. She was an inspiration to all who had the privilege of living. She was a friend to everyone, always offering generosity, joy and light to those around her,” her family said in a statement.
“Her boundless support for her extended family and many loved ones was evident in every aspect of her life. She always showed up for those she cared about and brought strength and love wherever she went. It was with great sadness that we lost such a vibrant and caring woman.'' And this amazing woman was a devastating loss to her family, friends, and the lives she touched. He will be deeply missed by all who gave to him,” the statement continued.
The family is asking for privacy to help them cope and overcome their “unimaginable grief.”
”“We are deeply shaken by this heinous act of assault and murder of our beloved daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, niece, and friend,” the family said.
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Paul Park was booked into the Davidson County Jail. He is currently being held without bail on a murder charge. (Nashville Metropolitan Police Department)
Local residents have also rallied in the wake of Rokit's death, calling on law enforcement and the city to take more safety measures.
Councilor John Rutherford said the area needed more gates, more lighting and more patrols. According to Fox 17, he added that there is a need for license plate readers (LPRs), but that would require approval from the mayor, who is holding off on funding.
At a news conference Tuesday, Nashville Police Chief John Drake echoed Rutherford and acknowledged the need for LPR.
“LPR would have made a difference. LPR made us safer,” Drake said.
Drake added that Park and Lockitz did not know each other, that it was a random attack, and that he attempted to sexually assault her before shooting her.
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Metropolitan Nashville Police say they have made an arrest in connection with the fatal shooting of a woman walking in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday night. (Metropolitan Nashville Police Department)
Paula Parker, a member of the church Mr. Lockitz attended, said she was shocked to hear the news of Lockitz's murder.
“Alyssa was a member of the church we attended. Although we hadn't seen her in several years, we had watched her grow from a child to a teenager. She was a devout, kind, loving, fun, confident, and intelligent young woman with dreams of becoming a neuroscientist to help others.'' wrote in a Facebook post. “We are grateful that the police arrested her killer. Please pray for Ms. Lockitz's family.”
One of Lockitz's neighbors, Guy Gilchrist, told Fox 17 he was “completely devastated and shocked” to hear that she had been killed. He added that she worked from home and was always helpful.
“She was incredibly kind to me and the neighbors adored her,” Gilchrist said.
According to Vanderbilt University, Ms. Lockitz graduated from the school in 2017 and worked in Hamm's lab as a graduate student in neuroscience.
Investigators said Rokitz was exercising near a greenway path Monday evening when Park pulled out between two parked cars and began following her at a “fast pace.” It was determined that
Some witnesses claimed to have heard a woman scream, “Help! He's trying to rape me,” followed by gunshots.
Witnesses also told police they saw a man, possibly Asian, on top of Rockit before shots were fired.
Police said Rotkitz and Park then left the area, out of sight of the park's surveillance cameras. But the video showed Park returning to her gray car with “abrasions on her arms and blood on her clothes.”
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A man was arrested Monday in connection with the fatal shooting of a woman as she walked along a popular boardwalk in Nashville, Tennessee. (X/@MNPDNashville)
Park then fled from the parking lot in a dark-colored four-door sedan. Heading towards Old Hickory Boulevard According to the police.
Later in the evening, a major breakthrough in the case occurred when a witness in the area provided police with additional video footage recorded on the dashcam of a car parked at the Greenway trailhead.
Police said a dashcam recorded a clear image of Park and his car, and another witness was able to provide part of Park's license plate number.
Police reviewed photos of the suspects taken from a witness' dash camera by MNPD homicide detective Shannon Forsyth and believe the suspects are identical twin brothers in a suicide case they worked on in December 2021. It was announced that with this recognition, further major progress had been made in the case.
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Detectives set up surveillance at Park's Brentwood home, followed him when he left, and stopped him in Davidson County after a murder warrant was issued.
“We sincerely appreciate the quick and diligent efforts of Metro Nashville Police, investigators, witnesses and bystanders to help Alyssa and apprehend the perpetrator. Serious crimes have serious consequences. We will continue to do so.'' We would like to thank the authorities for their support in seeking justice for Alissa within the law, and also for the community that has shown support and compassion during this incredibly difficult time. We would like to thank you,'' the Lotkit family said.
