NASHVILLE, TN — A Tragic Night on Westchester Drive: Domestic Violence Turns Deadly as Mother and Five Children Shot in Minivan

NASHVILLE, TN — A Tragic Night on Westchester Drive: Domestic Violence Turns Deadly as Mother and Five Children Shot in Minivan

NASHVILLE, TN — In a harrowing and heartbreaking act of domestic violence, a quiet Nashville neighborhood was rocked late Saturday night after a mother and her five young children were gunned down while sitting inside their minivan on Westchester Drive. The suspect, identified by authorities as 26-year-old Jovien Smith, the mother’s boyfriend, was swiftly taken into custody and now faces an array of felony charges stemming from this senseless and brutal attack.

The shooting occurred around 10 p.m., according to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD), following what investigators described as a “heated and escalating argument” between Smith and the mother, whose name has not yet been released to the public pending notification of family members. Witnesses report hearing yelling and crying before gunshots rang out in rapid succession, shattering the night’s calm and igniting panic throughout the Westchester Drive neighborhood.

When first responders arrived at the scene, they were met with a devastating sight — a silver minivan riddled with bullet holes, its windows shattered, and six occupants, a mother and five children, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The youngest, a 4-year-old girl, was pronounced dead at the scene despite valiant efforts by paramedics. Two other children — ages 6 and 9 — were critically injured and rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where they remain in intensive care. The mother and the remaining two children sustained injuries of varying severity but are expected to survive.

“This is one of the most deeply disturbing scenes our officers have ever encountered,” said Chief John Drake of MNPD during a Sunday morning press conference. “This was a family — a mother and her children — sitting together in what should be a safe place, their vehicle, and they were ambushed in a moment of unthinkable violence.”

Authorities allege that Smith opened fire on the family following a dispute that began earlier in the evening and escalated after the family returned to the van. Surveillance footage and neighbor reports indicate Smith retrieved a firearm from inside the residence before confronting the mother at the vehicle. What followed was an act of chilling cruelty that unfolded in front of horrified witnesses, including nearby residents and other children playing in the vicinity.

Smith fled the scene but was apprehended by police within hours near an East Nashville apartment complex after a city-wide manhunt. He was reportedly in possession of the weapon believed to have been used in the shooting and was taken into custody without further incident. He now faces multiple charges including first-degree murder, five counts of attempted murder, child endangerment, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Court records reveal a disturbing history — Smith had previously been arrested on charges related to domestic violence and had an active protective order filed against him by a different former partner. This tragic event has reignited fierce debate surrounding the enforcement of protective orders and the need for comprehensive domestic violence prevention strategies.

Community leaders and advocacy groups across Nashville expressed grief and outrage in the wake of the tragedy. Safe Haven Family Shelter, a local organization that supports survivors of domestic violence, released a statement urging city officials and law enforcement to continue investing in protective services and outreach programs to prevent similar incidents.

“This is not just a tragedy, it’s a failure of the system that should have protected this mother and her babies,” said Marissa Caldwell, Executive Director of Safe Haven. “We need better tools to recognize the warning signs, intervene earlier, and hold abusers accountable before lives are lost.”

As the city mourns, a memorial of flowers, candles, and stuffed animals has begun to grow near the scene on Westchester Drive. Neighbors, friends, and strangers alike have gathered in somber unity to remember the young life lost and to pray for the recovery of the survivors.

The names of the children have not yet been released, but loved ones describe them as joyful, curious, and full of life — a tragic reminder of what has been stolen by one moment of unchecked rage.

Smith is currently being held without bond at the Davidson County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court later this week.

This incident marks yet another painful reminder of the deadly toll domestic violence can take. For those struggling with abuse or seeking help, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or by texting “START” to 88788.

As Nashville reckons with the loss and pain, the community stands united in calling for justice — and for meaningful change.