Who is Devaunte Lewis Hill? Tennessee man, 21, who shot dead nurse Caitlyn Kaufman arrested by SWAT team
The man who shot the 26-year-old nurse Caitlyn Kaufman to death while she was on her way to work, has been arrested by the Metro Nashville Police Department’s SWAT team. He was taken into custody on December 3 in connection to the slaying of Kaufman, reports Tennessean.com.
The members of the SWAT team arrested Devaunte Lewis Hill from his East Nashville apartment complex on December 11. The accused has been reportedly charged with criminal homicide in Kaufman’s killing along Insterstate 440 west in Nashville.
The arrest affidavit states that on December 10, the police were tipped off by an informant, which led to Hill’s arrest. The concerned citizen reportedly told the police that they had information about the killing and provided details about the gun used in the shooting.
Meanwhile, the Homicide Detective on the case, Christopher Dickerson told reporters that they are not entirely eliminating the involvement of other suspects in the case. He revealed that the data from Hill’s phone helped them place the device in the I-440 area, where the shooting occurred.
Dickerson confirmed that Caitlyn and Hill “did not know each other”. He further added that an increase in the reward to $65,000 may have encouraged the people to provide information regarding Hill or the shooting.
MNPD Chief John Drake said during the press conference held at Metro Nashville Police Headquarters, “I understand many of the persons involved in the rewards are dads who have families in Nashville and love Nashville deeply, and I thank them for their contribution.”
Following Hill’s arrest, Caitlyn’s mother, who traveled to Nashville from the family’s hometown in Western Pennsylvania to plead with the public and police to bring justice to her daughter’s tragic death, seemed relieved.
Diane Kaufman told the Tennessean, "If it weren’t for the generosity of the Nashville community I fear it wouldn't have ever happened this quickly. My family will forever be grateful to them, and Detective Dickerson, Chief Drake and Don Aaron. I think I’m still in shock. I was in shock with the shooting, but now I’m in shock with the arrest. I’m just so thankful.”
Meanwhile, Dickerson said, “While it was a relief to be able to sign the arrest warrant, it was an exceptional relief to be able to call Diane Kaufman, who is back in Pennsylvania right now. She said that she was able to get some closure before the funeral. I’m glad to be in the position we are in this morning.”
Caitlyn was driving to work at St Thomas West Hospital in Nashville, for a shift that was due at 7 pm when she was struck with shots. Dickerson said that she died almost instantly after a bullet entered her left shoulder. He added: “Caitlyn didn't have time to get to her cellphone to call 911.” Despite being shot, Caitlyn managed to pull her SUV over on the road against the guard rail between the Hillsboro Pike and West End Avenue exit.
A petition on GoFundMe by Caitlyn’s family has raised over $39,000. A memorial service for Kaufman will be held in her hometown on December 12 at 7 pm.