Four sought for questioning in deadly Midtown stabbing – NewsChannel5.com

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Two people were killed and one person hurt following a stabbing in Midtown early Saturday morning.

Metro police said the stabbings appear to be the result of an argument over a woman that began inside the Dogwood bar. Around 3 a.m., the argument turned physical when those involved went outside, where three men were stabbed on Division Street.

Two of the three victims, 22-year-old Clayton Beathard and 21-year-old Paul Trapeni III, were taken to Vanderbilt Medical University Center, where they later died. The third victim was injured in his eye and arm. He is still in the hospital.

Beathard and Trapeni were 2016 graduates of Battle Ground Academy in Franklin where they both played football.

“We are devastated by this tragic loss to our community,” Head of School Will Kesler said in a statement. “No one should have to endure such a terrible loss of loved ones. We pray for the families and their friends for strength, support, and guidance through this most difficult time.”

After graduation, Trapeni attended Rhodes College in Memphis and Beathard was a student at Long Island University.

Beathard a standout football player at BGA and was named Tennessee’s Division II Class A Mr. Football in 2014. He went on to play football at several colleges, most recently as a Pioneer at LIU.

Bryan Collins, head football coach for LIU, reacted to Beathard’s death in a statement on Twitter.

“Clay had such an incredible impact within our family in such a short period of time. His love of life, people, especially his teammates, was a shining light in our program,” Collins said. “We will miss his passion for life, the outdoors, and the game of football. He approached every practice and game with a chip on his shoulder. Clay had a strong belief and love for the Lord. He shared these special bonds with many of his new teammates. Clay, you will be missed by the LIU community and we are proud to know you will have our backs. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Beathard family. Thank you for sharing Clay with us. He will be remembered always.”

Beathard is also the brother of San Francisco 49ers quarterback CJ Beathard and grandson of NFL Hall of Famer Bobby Beathard. His father, Casey Beathard, is a Grammy-nominated Country music songwriter.

CJ Beathard missed Saturday night’s game to return to Tennessee.

In a statement on Twitter, the 49ers said in part, “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to C.J. and the entire Beathard family as they cope with the unthinkable loss of a loved one”

In a statement, Trapeni’s family said in part: “Paul Douglas committed himself fully to a life of purpose, and he already knew that his purpose was to be present for the people he loved…We are so thankful for the countless prayers, messages, and stories we have received from so many.”

They added that the college senior planned to attend law school after graduating.

Four businesses in the area, including the Dogwood, came together to offer a $20,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the deadly stabbing.

Metro police are now looking for three men and one woman seen in surveillance video for questioning. If you have any information on the stabbing, call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.