A new detailed report released Wednesday indicates the meticulous preparation that was involved in the brutal mass shooting at Nashville’s Covenant School, which killed six in March 2023. Audrey Hale, who killed three 9-year-olds and three adults at the private Christian elementary school, devoted nearly five years to researching mass shootings and plotting his own attack.
The report reveals Hale’s fascination with school shootings as well as the escalation of violent behavior. As early a time as 2017, Hale began exploring mass killers who were in America and watching school shooting documentaries. His mental sicknesses, like major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and loneliness, were adequately documented by his therapist as well as his relatives. Hale intensified his manipulativeness along the way and hid guns in his house without his parents being aware of this.
In 2018-2019, Hale started making practical steps towards mounting an attack, including making lists of guns and ammunition he intended to use. In a psychological assessment, Hale admitted to suicidal and homicidal ideation, which prompted further mental health treatment. In spite of treatment using therapy and assessments, Hale proceeded to plan an attack, including a failed effort at a middle school shooting.
Hale purchased a rifle and began private practice by 2020, in addition to purchasing other firearms in 2021, all under secrecy from his family. Though his parents and therapists were concerned, Hale successfully avoided several intervention efforts. The paranoia of Hale grew stronger, particularly about being hospitalized and losing his weapons, and eventually began to think of the Covenant School as a potential target.
The shooting on March 23, 2023, was horrific with six deaths. The victims were school staff members Cynthia Peak, Katherine Koonce, and Mike Hill, and 9-year-olds Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney. In a dark irony, Hale’s father had suspected his child’s involvement in the attack upon hearing about it on the news.
The report tracks the disturbing trajectory of Hale’s worsening mental health, marked by violence and a deadly fascination with mass shootings. Despite many interventions, Hale’s planning and manipulation ended in the grisly attack on the Covenant School.
