ICU nurse Caitlyn Kaufman was driving on Interstate 440 in Nashville, Tennessee on December 3rd for her 7 p.m. shift at the St. Thomas West Hospital when she was fatally shot. Her silver Mazda CX-5 SUV came to a stop against the guard rail, where it sat until 8:52 p.m. when a Metro officer saw the vehicle.
Detectives believe she was struck between 6-6:05 p.m. Detective Chris Dickson revealed at a press conference today that Kaufman was killed by a gunshot that entered through her shoulder. She likely died within fifteen seconds, he said.
A Reward For Information
Investigators as well as Diane Kaufman, Caitlyn’s mother, are looking for answers.
Authorities are following leads but do not have a subject at present. Metro Nashville announced Monday afternoon that an anonymous man donated $10,000 as a reward for any information leading to an arrest.
A History of Compassion and Kindness
“We are devastated to learn of the tragic and sudden passing of our ICU nurse Caitlyn Kaufman, a hospital representative told WKRN-TV. “She was a dedicated and much loved member of our…team and a courageous health care hero who was graciously called to serve our patents with compassion and kindness.”
WKRN also reported that Kaufman was a standout high school swimmer and graduated from Clarion University in Pennsylvania.
Hope For Answers
According to data compiled by News Channel 5 in Nashville from the Tennessee Department of Transportation an average of 94,783 cars pass through I-440 every day where Kaufman was murdered. In the five minute window of her death it is likely at least 329 cars passed by. It is hoped that one of these people saw something.
At a press conference on Monday Diane Kaufman spoke, “Why did you do this to her? She didn’t deserve it. I can’t wrap my head around it. I don’t know how someone can take another person’s life like that. She was on her way to work. It wasn’t like she was doing anything maliciously.”
Diane Kaufman continued, “She was a very compassionate young lady and had a heart of gold. All I’m asking is that the Nashville community that she loved so much come together and help us find who did this to my daughter.”
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