An ex-convict with a long criminal history is facing multiple homicide-related charges over the death of a 23-year-old Nigerian woman, Oluwalayomi Fadero, who was killed on Friday, March 20, in a wrong-way crash in Nashville, Tennessee, United States (U.S).
Fadero had recently completed her degree and was pursuing an accelerated nursing programme at another institution before her death.
Investigators reported that the incident began when 52-year-old Ray Eugene Padgett stole a Ford truck from an auto lot in North Nashville.
The vehicle was equipped with a tracking device, which the owner used to monitor its location.
Around 12:10 p.m., authorities tracked the truck to an alley off St. Louis Street.
Padgett put the truck in reverse, striking the owner’s vehicle before fleeing the scene. Officers then began monitoring Padgett in Madison using undercover vehicles.
The situation escalated when Padgett rammed an unmarked police SUV containing a plainclothes detective at the connector road between Murfreesboro Pike and Old Murfreesboro Pike, near Nashville International Airport.
The officer had to exit and run to safety, prompting a police pursuit.
About five minutes later, Padgett drove the wrong way on Murfreesboro Pike at speeds approaching 80 mph toward La Vergne.
Officials said he then collided with the driver’s side of a Hyundai Elantra as Fadero was turning from Murfreesboro Pike onto Hickory Woods Drive on her way home from work, killing her instantly.
Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) spokesperson Don Aaron said, “We know Ray Eugene Padgett has some 20 convictions. We believe he continues to be on parole and was on parole this morning when he stole the truck and set off the horrible chain of events that claimed the life of an innocent Nashville woman.”
Padgett has at least 20 prior convictions across five Tennessee counties, including Davidson, Putnam, Sumner, Fentress, and Wilson.
His past crimes include burglaries, auto-related offences, and multiple theft charges. He was last arrested in Nashville in 2023 for a parole violation and had since been released.
Authorities reported that Padgett sustained minor injuries in the crash, was treated at a hospital, and was immediately taken into custody after discharge.
He is currently held in the Downtown Detention Centre on an $805,000 bond for criminally negligent homicide, vehicular homicide by recklessness, felony reckless endangerment, attempted criminal homicide, and driving on a revoked license.
Additional charges related to the theft and the initial crash are expected.
Fisk University confirmed Fadero as one of its recent graduates.
“The Fisk University community is heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Oluwalayomi Fadero,” the university said.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the Fadero family during this incredibly difficult time. Counselling resources are available to our campus community through the Office of Student Affairs.”
Her former professor, Janet Walsh, described Fadero as one of the most compassionate and kindest people you would have ever met.
A makeshift memorial has been set up at the crash site, and counselling support has been made available to students and staff.
Meanwhile, a fundraiser organised by supporters has raised over $13,000 to assist with funeral expenses as family and friends continue to mourn her sudden death.
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