Nashville, TN — June 15, 2025 — A devastating domestic incident has left the Nashville community reeling, following the confirmed deaths of Amina Anna Darbashi Pierce, a beloved biology teacher at Hunters Lane High School, and her husband, Steven Pierce, in what authorities are describing as a murder-suicide.

Metro Nashville Police Department reported that officers responded to a distressing scene at a condominium on 31st Avenue North early Sunday morning. Upon arrival around 8:30 a.m., law enforcement discovered the lifeless bodies of 30-year-old Amina Pierce and 46-year-old Steven Pierce. Initial findings from the investigation indicate that Steven Pierce fatally shot his wife during a domestic dispute, then turned the gun on himself. A revolver was found beneath his body.

This tragedy is believed to have stemmed from increasing tensions in the couple’s marriage, driven by ongoing arguments concerning divorce proceedings and mounting financial stress. These underlying issues appear to have reached a breaking point, culminating in this unimaginable act of violence.

Amina Pierce: A Pillar of Education and Inspiration

Known professionally and affectionately as Ms. Pierce, Amina dedicated her life to education and the empowerment of young minds. Over the course of her seven-year tenure at Hunters Lane High School, she emerged as a cornerstone of the institution’s academic and extracurricular life.

Teaching biology, particularly to 9th graders, was not simply a job for Amina—it was a calling. Executive Principal Sue Kessler recounted how Anna consistently emphasized the importance of building lasting relationships with students early in their high school careers. She believed that such connections were instrumental in ensuring students would graduate and find personal and academic success.

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Amina served as one of the school’s tennis coaches, where she worked tirelessly to grow the program. She mentored not only students, but fellow educators, particularly those attempting to balance the dual challenges of parenting and teaching. A mother herself to two young daughters, Anna exemplified leadership and compassion.

Principal Kessler expressed the collective grief of the Hunters Lane community: “We will miss Ms. Pierce’s commitment to kids, love of our school, and her dedication. Our thoughts are with the many people who loved her.”

Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) also released a statement mourning the loss. They described her as “beloved,” acknowledging the immense impact she had on students, staff, and the broader school community.

Steven Pierce: A Complex Life

Steven Pierce, originally from Nashville, was a graduate of both Brentwood High School and Battle Ground Academy. He pursued higher education at a variety of institutions, including The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Nashville State Community College, the University of Memphis, and Belmont University.

While described by acquaintances as quiet and intelligent, Steven had reportedly struggled with personal difficulties in recent years. These challenges appear to have weighed heavily on the couple’s relationship and are considered contributing factors in the fatal incident.

A Family Shattered

The couple’s two young daughters have been placed in the care of relatives following the incident. While immediate family members have been notified, the broader community remains stunned by the loss.

Authorities confirmed that the case is being treated as a murder-suicide. There is no indication of additional suspects or public threat, though the investigation remains active. Detectives are expected to release further information following the conclusion of forensic and psychological assessments.

Community in Mourning

Counseling services and crisis support have been extended to both the Hunters Lane school community and the surrounding neighborhood. A memorial service for Amina Pierce is in the early planning stages, with Hunters Lane High School expected to host a formal event in her honor.

This tragedy has reignited local and national conversations about the intersections of domestic violence, mental health, and support systems for educators. The loss of Amina Pierce underscores not only the fragility of life but the urgency with which communities must address these compounding social issues.

Support hotlines have been listed for individuals facing domestic violence or suicidal thoughts, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) and the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988).

As Nashville continues to mourn the loss of Amina and Steven Pierce, the hope remains that their story will prompt deeper reflection, stronger support structures, and lasting community healing.