Head of school killed in Tenn. school shooting was Baton Rouge native; another La. native killed

One of the victims was identified as a native of Baton Rouge.
Published: Mar. 27, 2023 at 5:55 PM CDT|Updated: Mar. 28, 2023 at 12:58 PM CDT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WAFB) - The head of school killed in a shooting at a Tennessee elementary school on Monday, March 27, was from Baton Rouge, according to a family friend.

The head of school, Dr. Katherine Koonce, 60, was among three adults and three 9-year-olds killed in the shooting at The Covenant School in the Nashville area, authorities said.

RELATED: 3 children, 3 adults killed in shooting at Tennessee elementary school

Cynthia Peaks, 61, another Louisiana native, was also killed in the shooting. She is originally from Leesville, a family friend said.

RELATED: Teacher killed in Tennessee elementary school shooting was raised in Leesville

The head of school killed in a shooting at a Tennessee elementary school on Monday, March 27, was from Baton Rouge, according to a family friend.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards released the below statement about the Louisiana natives:

The head of school killed in a shooting at a Tennessee elementary school on Monday, March 27, was from Baton Rouge, according to a family friend.

The friend of Dr. Koonce’s family said she went to University High Lab School and studied at LSU.

Dr. Koonce had been at The Covenant School for nearly seven years. Click here to read a letter from Dr. Koonce on the school’s website.

The child victims were identified by authorities as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney. The other adult victim was identified by authorities as Mike Hill, 61.

The shooting suspect was identified as Audrey Hale, 28, a former student at the school, authorities said. They added the suspect was killed by law enforcement.

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