NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Hunters Lane High School community is mourning the tragic loss of Amina “Anna” Darbashi Pierce, a well-respected biology teacher and tennis coach, who was fatally shot by her husband, Steven Pierce, in an apparent murder-suicide on Sunday morning in their West End condominium on 31st Avenue North.
The Metro Nashville Police Department confirmed that officers responded to the residence around 8:30 a.m., where they discovered the bodies of 30-year-old Amina Pierce and 46-year-old Steven Pierce. Investigators say the incident stemmed from a domestic dispute related to divorce and financial stress. A revolver was recovered at the scene, found beneath Steven Pierce.
According to police, there were no prior domestic violence reports or calls related to the couple. The case remains under investigation, though authorities have stated that it appears to be a tragic murder-suicide.
School and Community Devastated
Metro Nashville Public Schools issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of Amina Pierce, who had served as a beloved educator and mentor at Hunters Lane High School for the past seven years.
“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,” the district said in a statement.
Dr. Sue Kessler, Executive Principal at Hunters Lane, offered a heartfelt tribute to Pierce’s passion for teaching, coaching, and leadership:
“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 our tennis coaches and worked tirelessly to increase the number of tennis players at our school.”
“Ms. Pierce loved learning about leadership and was working toward her principal’s license. A devoted mother of two young daughters, she also supported fellow teachers trying to balance work and parenthood. We will miss her commitment to kids, her love for our school, and her unshakable dedication,” Kessler added.
A Life Dedicated to Education and Family
Friends and colleagues describe Amina Pierce as a bright, compassionate educator who brought energy and care into everything she did—from the classroom to the tennis courts. Her desire to lead, to nurture, and to uplift her students made her a cornerstone of the school community.
Beyond her professional role, she was a devoted mother of two and was widely admired for her ability to support others who were navigating the challenges of balancing career and family life.
A Shocking and Senseless Tragedy
News of her death has left the community in shock and heartbreak. For many, the violence that claimed her life is not only devastating—it feels unthinkable.
“This is heartbreaking and infuriating,” one community member said. “Amina was a woman striving to better herself, her family, and her students. That this happened inside her home is unbearable.”
The school district is offering grief counseling and support services to students, staff, and families affected by the tragedy.
Moving Forward
As the investigation continues, the focus turns to remembering the legacy of Amina Pierce—an educator, coach, leader, mother, and friend—whose life was taken far too soon. The community mourns not only her loss but the potential that was cut short by an act of domestic violence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org for confidential support.
In loving memory of Amina Pierce, whose compassion, resilience, and love for her students will never be forgotten.