Metro Nashville Police Identify Body Found in Cumberland River as 43-Year-Old Kelton King; Suspected Homicide Under Investigation
NASHVILLE, TN — Authorities with the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) have confirmed the identity of the man whose body was recovered from the Cumberland River earlier this week in the Donelson area. The victim has been identified as 43-year-old Kelton King, a resident of Nashville.
The tragic discovery was made around 3 p.m. on Tuesday when a boater noticed the body floating in the river and quickly notified emergency services. Responding officers and rescue crews recovered the body from the water, setting off an investigation that has now turned into a suspected homicide case.
Discovery and Identification
At the time of the discovery, Kelton King was found wearing a red t-shirt with “Dyersburg Dental Associates” printed on it, a distinctive detail that initially helped police narrow down identification efforts. Based on the condition of the body, detectives believe King had been in the water for several days before being found.
The MNPD’s Homicide Unit, in collaboration with the Medical Examiner’s Office, determined that King had suffered multiple stab wounds, indicating that he was likely the victim of a fatal stabbing. As a result, the case is now being treated as a suspicious death with strong indications of foul play.
Ongoing Investigation
The Metro Nashville Police Department is continuing its investigation into King’s death and is asking the public to assist in bringing clarity and justice to this deeply unsettling case.
“We are pursuing all available leads and working to establish a clear timeline of events leading up to Mr. King’s death,” said a spokesperson for MNPD. “We urge anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the Donelson area in recent days to contact us immediately.”
Authorities are also examining potential surveillance footage from nearby riverfront properties and businesses, while forensic teams continue to process the evidence recovered from the scene.
Call for Public Assistance
Investigators are appealing to the community for assistance, particularly anyone who may have interacted with or seen Kelton King in the days leading up to his death.
If you have any information related to this case — no matter how small — you are urged to contact Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Callers can remain anonymous, and information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.
Remembering Kelton King
While little has been publicly shared about Kelton King’s background at this time, those close to him are grappling with the news of his sudden and violent death. Friends and family are remembering him as a quiet, kind man who didn’t deserve such a tragic end. Community members have begun expressing grief and outrage on social media, calling for justice and answers.
“Kelton didn’t deserve this. Whoever did this needs to be brought to justice,” one friend wrote. “His life mattered, and we won’t rest until we know what happened.”
A City on Alert
The discovery of King’s body and the circumstances surrounding his death have sent shockwaves through the Nashville community, particularly in Donelson, where residents are now on edge.
Law enforcement officials have reiterated their commitment to ensuring public safety and swiftly solving this case.
“Our detectives are working tirelessly to uncover the truth. We won’t stop until the person or persons responsible are held accountable,” the MNPD spokesperson added.
As the investigation progresses, the hope remains that answers will soon come — not only to bring justice for Kelton King but also to provide peace to a grieving family and a shaken community.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. All tips are anonymous.
