Arheel's Uncle
Senior Reporter
‘It’s a nightmare’: Nashville mother accidentally shoots, kills daughter, police say
Police said the unholstered pistol inside her bag went off, killing her 13-year-old daughter.
www.wsmv.com
Tennessee Mom Said She Accidentally Shot Daughter While Looking Through Purse
Her 13 year-old daughter, Dearria Radley, tragically died from a single gun shot wound.
ByJessica Washington
Published Thursday 12:19PM
By Dryden Quigley
Published: Mar. 25, 2024 at 4:47 PM MST
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - As a middle schooler, Dearria Radley should have been walking through the doors of J.T. Moore Middle School Monday morning — instead her funeral is being planned.
“My world is just falling apart,” her mom, DeAnne Radley, said. “I loved that little girl so much.”
It was around 10 p.m. on Saturday at their Edgehill Avenue apartment where Radley says she was searching for her keys in her purse. Police said the unholstered pistol inside her bag went off, killing her 13-year-old daughter.
“I didn’t know my gun was loaded in my purse and shot through my bag,” Radley said. “Then I saw the blood and oh God...”
The teenager was rushed to the hospital, where police say she died from a single gunshot.
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“It’s a nightmare, its words can never describe the pain that I feel,” Radley said.
Dearria is remembered as a girl who loved to spend time with her family and sing.
“I want her to be remembered by that angel voice in those beautiful eyes. She’s such a beautiful girl,” Radley said, “This is something I’m not ready for. Please, my baby...I just want to hold my baby.”
Metro Nashville Public Schools said grief counselors are available for students who need them.
Police said no charges have been placed as the Youth Service Division continues their investigation.
A GoFundMe was made to help with funeral expenses.
Woman opening bag Photo: mariiaplo (Getty Images)
Tragedy struck a Nashville, Tennessee, family over the weekend when a mother reportedly shot her 13-year-old daughter by accident while rummaging through her purse.
According to WSMV Nashville, around 10 p.m. on Saturday, De’Ann Radley was searching for her keys in her purse that also contained a pistol. Police told the local news outlet that while she was looking through her bag her “unholstered pistol” went off killing her 13-year-old daughter, Dearria Radley.
Dearria Radley was rushed to the hospital but died from a single gunshot.
“It’s a nightmare, its words can never describe the pain that I feel,” Radley told WSMV. “I want her to be remembered by that angel voice and those beautiful eyes. She’s such a beautiful girl. This is something I’m not ready for. Please, my baby ... I just want to hold my baby.”
So far police have not charged anyone with a crime. However, according to WSMV, the Youth Service Division is investigating the case.
Radley launched a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses for her daughter.
“Hi my name is De’Ann I’m the mother of Dearria,” she wrote. “I need help for her funeral my 13-year-old was accidentally shot and killed, I don’t have insurance to bury her. If anyone can help me during these painful times. I would gladly appreciate your contribution god bless you.”
Many of the supporters in the comments of the GoFundMe wished for Radley to find peace after this tragic accident.
“I also lost my daughter when she was 2 and half years old to a freak accident,” wrote one donor. “Don’t let this get to you to where it consumes your life. I know the pain and heartache. But if I can do it, you can too. I’m so sorry this happened to you and your family.”
They added, “At least she is up there watching over you now. God bless you and your family. You’ll always be in my thoughts.”