February 28, 2025 –
Late Friday afternoon, a Davidson County Jury convicted defendant Jatecia Lake for the April, 2021 execution style murder of Patrick Washington. Lake was found Guilty of First Degree Premediated Murder, as well as Tampering with Evidence. The Premediated Murder conviction carries an automatic LIFE sentence, meaning Lake will spend at least 51 years behind bars. A sentencing hearing on the Tampering with Evidence charge will be held in April, and could result in even more time behind bars for Lake.
The Criminal Court Division VI jury deliberated only 3 hours before coming back with their verdicts. The victim’s family praised the work of MNPD detectives, along with the staff of the Nashville District Attorney’s office, which included a media analyst showcasing and explaining the massive amount of surveillance footage used for the prosecution. The testimony proved that Lake shot Washington in the back of the head at point blank range while in his car in an East Nashville parking lot on April 18, 2021, then drove to Kentucky and dumped his body along I-65. She then drove Patrick’s blood-soaked jeep back to Nashville, then ditching it on the side of the road, before walking back to her car.
The Division VI Prosecution team included Deputy District Attorney Amy Hunter, Assistant District Attorney Luis Casas, Victim Witness Coordinator Nikanna Bell, Digital Specialist Alex Pendon, and Investigator Steve Turner.
Washington’s family says Justice was served, and they can finally have peace and celebrate their lost loved one.
Pictured Below:
Jatecia Lake following verdict Prosecution Team with Patrick Washington’s family Hugs from the victim’s family
