Metro Nashville Police Conclude Investigation into Covenant School Mass Shooting, Releasing 48-Page Report
NASHVILLE, TN – Two years after the tragic mass shooting at The Covenant School, the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) has officially closed its investigation and released a detailed 48-page report outlining the shooter’s actions, motives, and long-term planning.
On March 27, 2023, the shooter, Audrey Hale, forced entry into the Covenant School, located in the Green Hills area of Nashville. In a matter of minutes, six lives were taken—three children and three adults:
- Evelyn Dieckhaus, 9
- Hallie Scruggs, 9
- William Kinney, 9
- Cynthia Peak, 61
- Katherine Koonce, 60
- Mike Hill, 61
The report, released on April 2, 2025, provides chilling details about the “calculated attack” and offers a deeper look into Hale’s mindset and motivation leading up to the tragedy.
The Shooter’s Motive: A Desire for Notoriety
According to MNPD, the investigation determined that Hale acted alone and meticulously planned the attack for years. The report states that Hale’s primary motivation was notoriety—a desire for the world to remember her.
Investigators uncovered notebooks, documents, and video recordings left behind by the shooter. These materials indicate that Hale wanted books, documentaries, and movies to be made about her life and attack.
Furthermore, police say that Hale went so far as to outline a plan to “mentor” future mass shooters, detailing ways they could carry out attacks successfully. The shooter’s writings suggest a fascination with previous mass killers, particularly those involved in school shootings, like Columbine.
What Happened on March 27, 2023?
The investigation provided a minute-by-minute account of Hale’s actions that day.
- First, Hale killed Michael Hill, the school’s beloved custodian, as he turned to flee after seeing the armed intruder.
- The gunfire from the AR pistol triggered the fire alarm, prompting teachers and students to evacuate.
- Hale shot 9-year-old William Kinney, the classroom’s line leader, followed by Hallie Scruggs and Evelyn Dieckhaus.
- Substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, who was helping students exit, was also gunned down.
- Dr. Katherine Koonce, the school principal, had been investigating why the fire alarm was triggered when she encountered Hale. Witnesses say Koonce confronted Hale, questioning what was happening, before Hale executed her with multiple gunshots.
Why The Covenant School?
Police say Hale had a personal history with The Covenant School, having attended in early childhood. The shooter viewed it as a “soft target” and decided to attack a location that held positive memories.
Additionally, Hale’s writings reveal that other locations had also been considered as potential targets, including:
- Creswell Middle School (originally planned in 2018)
- Harpeth Hall Academy
- Nashville School of the Arts
- Harding Academy
- Hillsboro High School
Beyond schools, Hale considered high-traffic locations for an “emergency attack,” including:
- Green Hills Mall
- Opry Mills Mall
- Briley Parkway and Centennial Boulevard
- Belmont Boulevard and North Mt. Juliet Road
- Interstate 40
A Disturbing Legacy of Violence
One of the most concerning revelations in the report is how Hale self-documented her planning and attack in a way that no other mass shooter has done before.
The MNPD report warns that publicly releasing these materials could lead to copycat attacks, providing dangerous inspiration for future mass shooters.
However, several organizations have filed lawsuits demanding that Hale’s journals, writings, and recordings be made public. The legal battle over these documents is still ongoing.
Mental Health and the Shooter’s Parents
The report also confirms that Hale’s parents were aware of her mental health struggles and assisted her in obtaining treatment. However, since she was an adult, they were not legally required to intervene further.
Despite receiving mental healthcare, investigators say that Hale was fully aware and “sane” at the time of the attack. The level of planning and preparation demonstrates that Hale understood the consequences of her actions.
Moving Forward
With the investigation officially closed, Metro Nashville leaders, law enforcement, and school officials are now focused on ensuring a tragedy like this never happens again. The Covenant School community continues to heal, remembering the six innocent lives lost on that devastating day.
For now, the public debate over whether Hale’s writings should be released continues, as the city mourns and reflects on the lasting impact of one of Nashville’s darkest days.