Thirteen-year-old Dearria Radley was fatally shot inside her family’s home on Edgehill Avenue in Nashville on the evening of March 23, 2024. First responders arrived after a 911 call at 9:58 p.m.; she was taken to Vanderbilt’s Pediatric Emergency Room but died of a single gunshot wound.

Authorities describe the shooting as a tragic accident. Dearria’s mother, DeAnn Radley, told investigators she was searching for her keys inside her purse when a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol that she had unholstered discharged, the bullet passing through the bag and striking her daughter. DeAnn Radley said she was unaware the firearm was loaded. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department’s Youth Services Division is investigating and no charges have been filed.

The family remembers Dearria for her love of singing and a GoFundMe was started to assist with funeral expenses. If anyone has information about the circumstances of the March 23 incident or witnessed activity near the Edgehill Avenue home that evening, please come forward.