Minutes before opening fire at a Nashville school and killing six people, Audrey Hale sent a chilling "suicide note" to a friend on Instagram.
In the message, Hale, a 28-year-old transgender woman, informed her former middle school teammate, Averianna Patton, of her plan to end her life. According to Patton, Hale wrote, "So basically that post I made on here about you, that was basically a suicide note. I'm planning to die today. THIS IS NOT A JOKE!!!" She then expressed her love for Patton and said she was leaving behind evidence of her plan.
Patton responded: Audrey! You have so much more life to live. I pray God keeps and covers you.
Hale continued the communication with Patton saying: I know but I dont want to live. Im so sorry. Im not trying to upset you or get attention. I just need to die. I wanted to tell you first because you are the most beautiful person Ive ever seen and known all my life.
She added: My family doesnt know what Im about to do. One day this will make more sense. Ive left more than enough evidence behind. But something bad is about to happen.
At 9:57 a.m. on Monday, Hale unleashed a barrage of bullets from two assault rifles and a handgun at The Covenant School, a private Christian academy, shooting and killing three 9-year-old children and three adults.
Patton took the threat seriously, Audrey has shared with others that she had been suicidal in the past and I knew to take this serious. I tried to comfort and encourage her and subsequently reached out to the Suicide Prevention Help Line after being instructed to by my father at 10:08 a.m., She told NewChannel 5.
Patton also called the Nashville Davidson County Sheriffs Office at 10:13 a.m but was instructed to call the non-emergency line instead. . Still, police didn't arrive at her home until 3:29 p.m., according to NewsChannel 5.
After phone calls from friends and Audreys name was released as the shooter at Covenant Nashville school, I learned that Audrey was the shooter and that she had reached out to me prior to the shooting.
Hale left behind a manifesto and a map she used to plan the massacre. According to police, her motive remains unclear.
Login