Nashville Mother of Two Who Was a Teacher Killed by Husband in Early Morning Murder-Suicide

The family of Anna Pierce, a 30-year-old teacher and mother, is grappling with shock and grief after she was fatally shot by her husband in an apparent murder-suicide early this week. Authorities say there were no prior warning signs of violence before the tragedy unfolded.

Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) officers responded to a West Nashville condo Monday morning, where they found Anna and her 46-year-old husband, Steven Pierce, dead from gunshot wounds. Investigators determined that Steven shot Anna before turning the gun on himself. A revolver was recovered from beneath his body at the scene.

Anna, a beloved biology teacher and tennis coach at Hunters Lane High School, was remembered by her family as a strong, compassionate woman who dedicated herself to helping others. “She lives with us. She lives on through all of us,” her brother, Humza Darbashi, told News 2.

The couple’s deaths leave behind three daughters—Anna’s two biological children, ages 2 and 4, and Steven’s 17-year-old daughter, whom Anna had adopted.

According to MNPD, the domestic violence division had no previous reports involving the couple. Family members said they never suspected Steven was capable of such violence. “My friend was just with them the day before, and he couldn’t believe it either. He couldn’t understand why it happened,” Humza said.

Investigators believe the shooting followed an argument over divorce and financial struggles. Anna’s mother, Lora Darbashi, urged those in crisis to reconsider violence: “Anyone who thinks to pick up a gun needs to take a second thought because once that’s pulled, there’s no second thought.”

In response to the tragedy, Metro Council is pushing to add a dedicated domestic violence detective to MNPD. The role would focus on enforcing protective orders, including firearm removals in high-risk cases. As the community mourns, Anna’s family and colleagues remember her as a devoted educator and loving mother whose legacy endures.

Funeral arrangements are pending. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).