NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Community members are mourning after two different domestic violence cases turned deadly in Nashville over the weekend.

According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, a 41-year-old Illinois woman was driving her boyfriend, 26-year-old Jovien Smith of Iowa, and her five children to a family member's home in Nashville when the couple got into an argument around 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 14. Smith reportedly tried to grab the steering wheel to crash the minivan in Madison, but the woman safely stopped the vehicle.

However, authorities said Smith pulled out a gun and started firing at his girlfriend, so she ran to nearby homes for help, even though she had been hit multiple times. Then, Smith allegedly opened fire on the children and struck four out of five of them, killing a 4-year-old girl and leaving a 1-year-old boy and a 7-year-old girl in critical condition.

Law enforcement said they arrested Smith shortly after the incident began. He is being held on a $2.6 million bond for criminal homicide, five counts of attempted criminal homicide, three counts of aggravated assault and one count of aggravated burglary.

Then, at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 15, Metro police said a married couple died following an apparent murder-suicide at a condo in West Nashville.

"[Domestic violence is] all about power and control,” Dr. Daffany Baker, senior vice president of domestic violence services at YWCA Nashville and Middle Tennessee, told News 2.

Officials identified the wife who was killed Sunday morning as 30-year-old Amina "Anna" Pierce, a biology teacher and tennis coach at Hunters Lane High School.

"My heart is crushed every time I hear about such an incident, but for it to be...a teacher -- someone that protects our children, educates our children -- it just makes it even more so, just hurtful," Baker added.

Hunters Lane High's executive principal, Dr. Sue Kessler, said Anna "worked tirelessly to increase the number of tennis players" at the school.

Authorities said the investigation shows Anna and her husband, 46-year-old Steven Pierce, were arguing about divorce and financial issues before he shot her. A revolver was reportedly recovered from under Steven at the scene.

According to the YWCA, conversations about separation or leaving a relationship are often the most dangerous of times for domestic violence victims.

"That's when it kind of triggers something in maybe that other person as to, 'Oh, my life will be changing. They will leave me forever,'" Baker explained.

Victims' advocates said these kinds of tragedies affect the entire community.

"We have clients right now that are triggered. They're safe right now, but they're triggered because they're like, ‘That could have been me,'" said Baker.

If you or a loved one is trouble, you are not alone and help is available. The YWCA has a 24-hour free and confidential crisis and support helpline at 1-800-334-4628. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/community-members-shaken-after-2-deadly-domestic-violence-cases-in-nashville/