The Metro Nashville Police Department on Monday released the names of the six victims, including three children, killed in a school shooting earlier that day.
The big picture: The shooting occurred at The Covenant School, a private Christian elementary school that serves children in grades preschool through sixth grade.
- The suspected shooter was a 28-year-old former student of the school. The suspect entered the school armed with multiple firearms and was shot and killed by police.
Nashville shooting victims
Evelyn Dieckhaus, 9, was a third grader at the school, the Tennessean reported.
- “I don’t want to be an only child," her older sister cried at a vigil Monday evening, per the Tennessean.
- "Our hearts are completely broken," the Dieckaus family said in a statement, ABC News reported. "We cannot believe this has happened. Evelyn was a shining light in this world. We appreciate all the love and support but ask for space as we grieve."
Hallie Scruggs, 9, was the daughter of Chad Scruggs, the lead pastor at the Covenant Presbyterian Church, which is connected to the school, AP reported.
- "We are heartbroken," Chad Scruggs told ABC News, "Through tears we trust that she is in the arms of Jesus who will raise her to life once again."
William Kinney, 9, was also a student at The Covenant School.
Katherine Koonce, 60, was the head of the school.
- Koonce's loved ones described her as a "remarkable woman" with a "bright spirit," ABC News reported.
- "She knew every single student by name," one parent whose children attend The Covenant School told BBC News. "She did everything to help them when families couldn't afford things, it didn't matter. She found ways for them to stay."
Mike Hill, 61, was a custodian at the school, police said.
- "Today my Dad lost his life at the Covenant School," his daughter, Brittany Hill, wrote in a Facebook post, adding that her father had a "job that everyone knows he absolutely loved."
Cynthia Peak, 61, was a substitute teacher at the school, police said.
- Peak was raised in Leesville, La. and is survived by her husband, daughter, and two sons, KALB reported.
Go deeper: At least 57 killed, 133 injured in 38 U.S. mass shootings this month
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details throughout.
