In a heartbreaking incident in Nashville, Tennessee, a mother, DeAnn Radley, is grappling with the unimaginable loss of her 13-year-old daughter, Dearria Radley.
The teen tragically lost her life when a gun inside her mother’s purse discharged while she searched for her keys.
According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, the incident occurred late in the evening, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement.
Despite efforts to save her, Dearria succumbed to a single gunshot wound at Vanderbilt’s Pediatric Emergency Room.
In a tearful interview, Radley recounted the harrowing moment when the firearm discharged accidentally as she rummaged through her bag.
“My world is just falling apart,” she said. “I loved that little girl so much.”
She expressed profound grief over the loss of her beloved daughter, remembering her as a loving presence within their family, cherished for her angelic voice and bright eyes.
“I want her to be remembered by that angel voice and those beautiful eyes,” Radley said. “This is something I’m not ready for. Please, my baby…I just want to hold my baby.”
The devastating loss has reverberated throughout the Radley family, with Dearria’s grandmother expressing disbelief and longing for her granddaughter’s presence.
Radley herself described feeling an overwhelming emptiness, emphasizing the unique pain of losing a child.
As the community mourns the loss of Dearria, questions regarding the legal implications of the incident have emerged.
While Tennessee law does not mandate a permit for carrying firearms, the circumstances surrounding the shooting raise concerns about firearm safety and responsibility.
No charges have been filed thus far, with authorities continuing their investigation through the police department’s Youth Services Division.
In the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy, Radley has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover her daughter’s funeral expenses, underscoring the financial toll of the loss.
As the investigation unfolds, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of firearm safety and the potential legal ramifications in cases of accidental shootings, prompting reflection and scrutiny within the community and beyond.
