Here's what's known about the Covenant School trans-identified killer and her 6 victims

By Leonardo Blair, Senior Reporter Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Audrey Elizabeth Hale

On her website, the trans-identified shooter Audrey Elizabeth Hale said she worked as an illustrator and graphic designer creating logos for businesses.

“I primarily work with clients that desire a brand personality. I provide illustrations and designs that will help tell a company’s story. My illustrations usually bring a whimsical and light-hearted feel,” she said. “Aside from art, I enjoy binging on video games, watching movies, and playing sports. There is a child-like part about me that loves to go run to the playground. Animals are my second passion, so I also enjoy spending time with my two cats.”

Hale, according to a source close to the Hale family cited by Daily Beast, was autistic “but high-functioning.”

She had also “relatively recently announced she was transgender, identifying as he/him,” the source said.

Minutes before the shooting on Monday, Hale sent her friend a suicide note, according to News Channel 5.

Averianna Patton told the news outlet that at 9:57 a.m., she received a message on Instagram that said: "One day this will make more sense. I've left behind more than enough evidence behind. But something bad is about to happen."

Patton said she tried to comfort her friend but nothing worked.

"I tried to comfort and encourage her and subsequently reached out to the Suicide Prevention Help Line after being instructed to by my father at 10:08 a.m. Audrey has shared with others that she had been suicidal in the past and I knew to take this serious," Patton said.

She said she alerted Nashville Davidson County Sheriff's Office about her suicidal friend and she was told to call Nashville’s non-emergency number but it was too late.

"After phone calls from friends and Audrey's name was released as the shooter at Covenant Nashville school, I learned that Audrey was the shooter and that she had reached out to me prior to the shooting," Patton said. "My heart is with all of the families affected and I'm devastated by what has happened."