The Tragic Deaths in Nashville

By Ophelia Garrett

In Brief:

Last week, a deranged and sick woman shot her way into a Christian school and opened fire on innocent and unarmed men, women, and children. Her actions left three adults and three young children dead in Nashville, TN.

The Background: 

28-year-old Audrey Hale was raised in a Christian home, yet as she got older, she rejected and later on resented the home she’d not only been raised in but still lived in with her parents. 

Shortly after graduating from  Nashville’s Nossi College of Art and Design, Audrey Hale began telling friends she was transgender and began referring to herself as Aiden. Officers said Hale left a manifesto, months worth of reconnaissance and plans, a suicide note, and multiple guns behind. 

Upon entering the school, police report Hale activated a fire alarm, thereby ensuring the children would leave the safety of their school rooms and be in the hallways, providing easy targets. 

Hale was killed by responding officers. But not before she had murdered Evelyn Diekhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney - all children and 9-year-olds. She also murdered Mike Hill, Cynthia Peak, and Katherine Koonce. 

It is reported Katherine Koonce died confronting Hale and shielding children from her fire. 

Notable Quotes: 

“It is known that Hale considered the actions of other mass murderers." –Nashville PD