Nashville School Shooter Audrey Hale Sends Disturbing DM To Old Teammate Before The Murders: “I’m Planning To Die Today”

On March 27, 2023, a self-identifying transgender named Audrey Hale drove to The Covenant School and took the lives of three children and three faculty members. Hale, 28, reportedly carried two assault-style rifles and a handgun and attended the same private Christian school in the past. The attacker was shot dead by police who arrived at the site.

A former basketball teammate of Audrey Hale – Averianna Patton – has released messages between her and the shooter on the morning of the murder spree, according to NewsChannel 5. Hale, who was a biological woman that identified as transgender, used the name "Aiden" on her Instagram.

Hale told Patton that she will probably hear about her on the news after she dies, further revealing that she felt she needed "to die." "So basically that post I made on here about you, that was basically a suicide note. I'm planning to die today," the killer reportedly wrote in a DM. "THIS IS NOT A JOKE!!!!"

"You'll probably hear about me on the news after I die. This is my last goodbye," she added. "I love you. See you again in another life." Hale then signed her name as "Audrey" followed by "Aiden" in parenthesis.

"Audrey! You have so much more life to live," Patton responded. "I pray God keeps and covers you."

"I know but I don't want to live. I'm so sorry," Audrey said. "I'm not trying to upset you or get attention. I just need to die. I wanted to tell you first because you are the most beautiful person I've ever seen and known all my life."

Hale claimed her family did not know about the tragedy that was soon to occur. "My family doesn't know what I'm about to do. One day this will make sense," Audrey added. "I've left more than enough evidence behind. But something bad is about to happen."

Patton told NewsChannel 5 she attempted to help Hale. "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 am. Audrey has shared with others that she had been suicidal in the past and I knew to take this serious," Patton recalled.

Patton explained that she called the Nashville Davidson County Sheriff's Office to inform them of the situation and was told to call Nashville's non-emergency number. Unfortunately, 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."

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