safety
Man pleads guilty to murder, other charges in connection with 2024 Smokin Thighs hit-and-run crash
Summary by The Nashville Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Colleen Guerry , WKRN News 2 (ABC affiliate)
· July 22, 2026
· 1 min read
More than two years after a hit-and-run outside of a popular Wedgewood-Houston restaurant led to the death of a beloved business owner, officials announced Wednesday the suspect pleaded guilty to multiple charges.
Story provenance No corrections
Summary created by The Nashville Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Colleen Guerry, WKRN News 2 (ABC affiliate) Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 22, 2026 Indexed here Jul 23, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
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Why this matters in The Nashville
The guilty plea in connection with the Smokin Thighs hit-and-run crash brings a measure of closure to the Wedgewood-Houston community, where the restaurant is a staple. As the neighborhood continues to grow and evolve, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for enhanced safety measures, particularly in areas with high foot traffic. The fact that a beloved business owner lost their life in such a senseless tragedy will likely resonate with local leaders, who may reexamine traffic patterns and pedestrian infrastructure in the area. With the suspect now facing justice, community members may turn their attention to advocating for improvements that can help prevent similar incidents in the future, ensuring that the vibrant and thriving Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood remains a safe and welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.
About this story
Original reporting by WKRN News 2 (ABC 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 WKRN News 2 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 22, 2026 ·
Source: WKRN News 2 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? More than two years after a hit-and-run outside of a popular Wedgewood-Houston restaurant led to the death of a beloved business owner, officials announced Wednesday the suspect pleaded guilty to multiple charges.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 22, 2026 by WKRN News 2 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Colleen Guerry at WKRN News 2 (ABC 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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