College freshman from New Jersey critically injured in Nashville shooting
NASHVILLE, Tennessee (WABC) -- A college freshman from New Jersey was critically injured in a shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, on Tuesday night.
Jillian Ludwig, 18, was walking on the track in the Edgehill Community Memorial Gardens Park when she was hit in the head by a stray bullet.
Ludwig, who is from Wall Township, is said to be in extremely critical condition at Vanderbilt Medical Center.
Police said the gunfire came from public housing across the street and a suspect is in custody.
Shaquille Taylor, 29, is being charged with aggravated assault and evidence tampering in connection to the shooting. Police said he was shooting at a car when the bullet hit Ludwig in the head.
It may have been an hour before anyone knew she had been hit and before police responded.
The president of Belmont University, Dr. Greg Jones, sent a letter to students and faculty that said Ludwig is known for her love of music.
She is a music business major and bass player who loves running and enjoys being outside.
"Her mother texted this morning while the challenges are real... she wants us to all be praying for a miracle," Jones said.
A prayer vigil was held in Nashville on Wednesday afternoon.
Back in Wall Township, hundreds of people attended a vigil back Wednesday night.
Messages of love and support were placed into a box for the Ludwigs, to show the family they are not alone.
"She shined. Her mother loves going to her concerts," family friend Gary Pollack said. "She was in two bands at the Lake House Music Academy in Asbury Park and her mother was always there whenever she was on stage wherever she would perform and that's what she was in Nashville doing."
"Absolutely senseless and random and there's just no rhyme or reason," family friend Natalie Pavone said.
Pastor Tom Har with Calvary Presbyterian Church led the vigil.
"There's a reason why we come together," Har said. "We're not made to be alone and there is real strength that comes when we gather together, and we pray."
ALSO READ | Community rallies in support of café owner after workers walk out in protest over conflict in Gaza
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
