safety
Franklin cold case: Detectives renew plea for information in 1991 Hardee’s shooting
By Diana Rocco at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 16, 2026
· 2 min read
Franklin, Tenn. (WSMV) - More than 35 years after Peggy Cox was shot and killed at a Hardee’s drive-thru, Franklin police are again asking the public for information in what remains the city’s only unsolved homicide.Cox, 49, was a widowed mother of three and an active church member. She was worki...
Key takeaway (WSMV) - More than 35 years after Peggy Cox was shot and killed at a Hardee’s drive-thru, Franklin police are again asking the public for information in what remains the city’s only unsolved homicide.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The renewed plea for information in the 1991 Hardee's shooting brings attention to the challenges of solving cold cases in smaller cities like Franklin. As the city's only unsolved homicide, the Peggy Cox case is a stark reminder of the limitations of investigative resources and the impact of time on eyewitness accounts. With the passage of decades, memories fade and potential evidence is lost, making it increasingly difficult for detectives like Matthew Thompson to piece together the events of that night. The fact that DNA testing was not widely used at the time of the crime further complicates the investigation. As Franklin continues to grow and develop, it's crucial that the community remains engaged and invested in solving this case, which has left a lasting impact on the city and the victim's family. The rewards offered by Franklin police and the FBI may be the key to unlocking new information and finally bringing closure to this tragic event.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Franklin, Tenn. (WSMV) - More than 35 years after Peggy Cox was shot and killed at a Hardee’s drive-thru, Franklin police are again asking the public for information in what remains the city’s only unsolved homicide.Cox, 49, was a widowed mother of three and an active church member. She was worki...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Diana Rocco at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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