Audrey Elizabeth Hale, the individual responsible for killing six people, including three children, at a Christian elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee, has been identified.
Hale was 28 years old and was reportedly a former student at Covenant Presbyterian Church School. She was confronted by police and fatally shot on an upper floor of the school after opening fire on students and staff with two assault-style rifles and a handgun, having entered the building through a side door she had shot open.
Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake confirmed that Hale had no prior criminal record. A “manifesto” and a map of the school grounds, indicating entrances, were discovered at Hale’s home.
During a press conference, Chief Drake was asked if any evidence found during a search of Hale’s apartment indicated a motive for the attack.
The Chief replied that they had discovered a manifesto, some writings related to the incident, and a map outlining the plan of the attack.
Although there is a theory currently being investigated, it has not been confirmed and will only be released once it is.
Hale identified as transgender and used he/him pronouns, which led to a question about whether this may have influenced their motive.
Chief Drake responded that there is a theory being considered but that all leads are being investigated, and they will provide further information as soon as possible.
The Chief confirmed that the attack was targeted.
Chief Drake stated that although there was no known history of mental illness, it was still being considered as a possible lead in the investigation.
Hale had also contemplated targeting another location, but ultimately decided against it due to the level of security present there.
The Chief believes that the perpetrator acted alone, and there is currently no indication of any further threats.
The six victims have been identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all 9 years old, as well as Katherine Koonce, Cynthia Peak, and Mike Hill, all 61 years old.
Koonce was the head of school at The Covenant School, and Hill worked as a custodian while Peak was a substitute teacher, according to law enforcement officials speaking to reporters on March 27.
