Mother accidentally shoots, kills daughter when searching for keys in purse, police say

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) - A Tennessee family says instead of their middle schooler going to school on Monday, they are planning her funeral.

DeAnne Radley says her daughter was killed over the weekend in an accidental shooting.

“My world is just falling apart,” DeAnne Radley said. “I loved that little girl so much.”

The shooting reportedly happened around 10 p.m. last Saturday at their Edgehill Avenue apartment.

According to DeAnne Radley, she was searching for her keys in her purse when an unholstered gun inside her bag went off. Police said her 13-year-old daughter Dearria was hit by a bullet and died.

“I didn’t know my gun was loaded in my purse and it shot through my bag,” the mother said. “Then I saw the blood and oh God ...”

The teenager was rushed to the hospital, where police say she died from a single gunshot.

“It’s a nightmare. Words can never describe the pain that I feel,” DeAnne Radley said.

Dearria is remembered as a girl who loved to spend time with her family and sing.

“I want her to be remembered for her angel voice and her beautiful eyes. She’s such a beautiful girl,” DeAnne Radley said.

Police said no charges have currently been filed. The situation remains under investigation by the Youth Service Division.

The family has started a GoFundMe account to help with funeral expenses.

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