Background: The Nashville, Tenn. neighborhood where Amina “Anna” Pierce was found dead (Google Maps). Inset: Amina and Steven Pierce (Photo provided to WSMV).
A Tennessee woman who was a “beloved” teacher at a local high school was found dead in her condo alongside her husband in an apparent murder-suicide.
In a media release on Sunday, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department announced that Amina “Anna” Pierce, 30, and her husband Steven Pierce, 46, were found dead in their condo on Father’s Day after reports of a shooting that morning. A revolver was found at the scene, reportedly underneath Steven Pierce.
Police believed their deaths were the result of a murder-suicide.
While few details were released, police stated that after an investigation into the deaths, the couple had reportedly “argued about divorce and financial issues” before Steven Pierce “fatally shot” his wife.
Anna Pierce was reportedly well-known in the community for her work as a biology teacher at Hunters Lane High School in Nashville, Tennessee, according to reporting from local NBC affiliate WSMV. A spokesperson for Metro Nashville School District provided a public statement in remembrance of Anna Pierce that stated, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Amina ‘Anna’ Darbashi Pierce, a beloved biology teacher and tennis coach at Hunters Lane High School. Our thoughts go out to her family and the Hunters Lane school community.”
Dr. Sue Kessler, the principal of Hunters Lane High School, also had a statement about her late colleague:
Anna Pierce had just completed her seventh year teaching at Hunters Lane. She enjoyed teaching biology and ninth graders because she was convinced that the relationships she built with students would help them through graduation and beyond. She was one of the tennis coaches and worked tirelessly to increase the number of tennis players at our school.
Ms. Pierce loved learning about leadership and she was working on her licensure to become a principal. A devoted mother of two girls, Ms. Pierce helped other teachers as they learned to navigate the mom-teacher balance. 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.
Police did not release any additional details about the case as of Tuesday afternoon.
