Nashville Mother Advocates for Open Communication with Teens Following Son’s Tragic Shooting Incident

Nashville Mom Speaks Out After Tragic Loss of Son

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Hermitage mother is left heartbroken after her 16-year-old son was shot and killed just outside their home last weekend. Kendelle Phillips is speaking out about the devastating incident that she believes could have been prevented. Her son, Zeppelin Phillips, was known for his love of fishing and passion for music, and he was described by friends and family as a kindhearted and caring individual.

Family Remembers a Bright Young Man

Kendelle Phillips shared that Zeppelin was a good kid who attended a private school and worked part-time at Wendy’s. “Every one of his friends considered him to be their best friend,” said Katie Newbold, his aunt. “I’ve never met anybody like that.”

On Saturday night, Kendelle returned home from a birthday party for her other son. As she approached her house, she witnessed a scene that no mother should ever have to see. “I screamed a scream only a mother who is watching their son die would scream,” she recalled, distressed.

The Tragic Shooting Incident

When Kendelle arrived, Zeppelin was lying in the street with multiple gunshot wounds, while neighbors were desperately trying to administer CPR. According to witnesses, a car pulled up, fired shots at Zeppelin, and sped off.

“I told the guy doing compressions, ‘harder, harder, break his ribs,’” Kendelle recounted. Despite her encouragement and love, Zeppelin succumbed to his injuries. It was only while she was in the ambulance that she learned the shocking details surrounding her son’s death.

Details of the Gun Sale

Kendelle discovered that just minutes before he was shot, Zeppelin had sent $450 to a man named Rapheal Jobehdari to purchase a gun. Kendelle expressed confusion as to why her son needed a gun and clarified that she didn’t believe they were friends. This was a shocking development for her, as Zeppelin was always communicative.

Metro Nashville Police revealed that Jobehdari had been arrested earlier this year for a shooting incident outside a Bellevue strip mall. Though Jobehdari claimed self-defense and was released, this raised questions for Kendelle. “I want to know why he was let go. If he wasn’t on the street, my son would be alive,” she said, expressing her frustration and sorrow.

A Mother’s Warning

Kendelle Phillips is now advocating for parents to maintain open lines of communication with their teens. She urges other mothers to not hesitate in checking in on their children. “Whatever Zeppelin needed protection from, I think in his brain he was like, ‘This guy is willing to sell me a gun at a price I can afford with my Wendy’s minimum wage,’” Kendelle noted.

In her heartache, she emphasizes the need for parents to stay aware and involved in their children’s lives, regardless of how communicative they may seem. “Don’t be afraid to pursue, keep pursuing, make sure that they are doing okay,” she shared.

The Community Responds

Following his death, Zeppelin’s family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with medical costs and counseling. The community has been rallying to support them during this difficult time. Zeppelin was just days away from celebrating his 17th birthday, and the loss has left a profound impact on all who knew him.

As information about the case continues to unfold, authorities have arrested Jobehdari and have confiscated multiple firearms during their investigation. The police are working tirelessly to uncover the details surrounding Zeppelin’s tragic death.

Conclusion

This heartbreaking incident has sparked a conversation about the dangers teens face and the importance of discussing difficult topics related to safety and even gun violence. Kendelle Phillips shares her family’s harrowing experience with the hope of encouraging other parents to engage in deeper conversations with their children.

As the investigation continues, the community remains in mourning, remembering a young man whose life was cut short far too soon.