Amina “Anna” Darbashi Pierce, a beloved biology teacher and tennis coach, was fatally shot by her husband, Steven Pierce, in an apparent murder-suicide on Sunday, June 15, 2025.
While Amina’s family and the entire community are grieving, it is important to notice that Steven Pierce has a troubling history.
Court records show that Steven Pierce was previously married and faced accusations of erratic and violent behavior from his former spouse.
In a 2017 divorce filing, she sought a restraining order, citing concerns about his actions toward her and a minor child.
Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Steven Pierce studied at Belmont University, the University of Memphis, Battle Ground Academy, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and Brentwood High School.
Nonetheless, precise details surrounding his professional life remain unknown.
Reportedly, the married couple of 5 years, Steven and Amina Pierce, walked down the aisle on February 29, 2020.
Arkansas State University graduate Amina was a mother of two girls; however, it is unknown if Steven was the biological father of her daughters.
Amina Pierce Had Completed Her 7th Year of teaching At Hunters Lane High School!
The incident, which occurred at a condominium on 31st Avenue North, has left students, faculty, and the broader Nashville community in mourning.
According to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), officers responded to the scene around 8:30 a.m. after reports of a shooting. There, they found Amina Pierce, 30, and Steven Pierce, 46, dead from gunshot wounds.
A revolver was recovered under Steven’s body, and police investigations revealed that the couple had been arguing about divorce and financial struggles before the incident.
The MNPD has classified the event as an apparent murder-suicide, noting that their domestic violence division had no prior involvement with the couple.
Amina Pierce was a cherished figure at Hunters Lane High School, where she had just completed her seventh year of teaching.
As a tennis coach, she worked tirelessly to grow the school’s tennis program.
Executive Principal Sue Kessler described her as a committed educator who was pursuing licensure to become a principal. She said:
She enjoyed teaching biology and 9th graders because she was convinced that the relationships she built with students would help them through graduation and beyond.
Sue Kessler
During this ordeal, we offer our heartfelt condolences to the Pierce family, friends, and loved ones.
