Hendersonville, Tennessee, Father Timothy Batts Shot And Killed His 11-Year-Old Daughter Because She Scared Him

Hendersonville, Tennessee, father Timothy Batts claims he shot and killed his 11-year-old daughter because she scared him. Although he originally reported that she was shot by an unknown assailant, Batts later admitted he took his own daughter’s life. The 29-year-old man insists the shooting was accidental.

On Monday, Timothy Batts transported his wounded daughter to the TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center, where he reported she was shot while exiting the school bus. Although Timea was then flown to Vanderbilt University, it was simply too late. The sixth grader died shortly after she arrived.

Although Timea was then flown to Vanderbilt University for further care, it was simply too late. The sixth grader died shortly after she arrive.

Following a thorough investigation of the scene, authorities determined the 11-year-old girl was actually shot inside her home as opposed to the bus stop as her father reported.

As reported by WKRN, the Hendersonville, Tennessee, father eventually reported to the local police department, as he was ready to “tell the truth” about his daughter’s tragic death. During a subsequent police interview, Timothy Batts admitted he shot Timea because he was startled.

According to a police affidavit, Batts said he was sleeping when his daughter returned home from school. As he thought she was an intruder, he grabbed his handgun. The Hendersonville, Tennessee, father said he accidentally shot his daughter “when she yelled and scared him.”

Following the fatal shooting, Timothy Batts reportedly transported the gun to another location in Nashville to avoid detection by police.

JUST IN: Timothy Batts is in Sumner Co jail on $1 million bond for reckless homicide death of his daughter @NC5 pic.twitter.com/HXSpcXSeIZ

— Dan Kennedy (@NC5_DanKennedy) August 9, 2016

Although he insists his daughter’s shooting was a tragic mistake, the Hendersonville, Tennessee, father was arrested and charged with filing a false report, possession of a firearm by a felon, and reckless homicide. He is currently being held on $1 million bond at the Sumner County Jail.

Authorities confirmed Timothy Batts has an extensive criminal history, including felony drug charges in 2005 and a charge of attempted murder in 2012. Officials also confirmed the family is currently under investigation by the Department of Children’s Services.

According to reports, the family has been investigated by the DCS on at least one prior occasion. However, friends and neighbors said the children, including Timea, were well cared for.

Friend and neighbor Jerrie Lockridge described Timothy Batts and his wife as “great parents.” She said that “their kids didn’t want or need for anything.”

Long Hollow Baptist Church Pastor Adam French admitted the Hendersonville, Tennessee, father has a lengthy criminal past. However, he said Batts was working hard to turn his life around.

According to Pastor French, Timothy Batts was a born-again Christian who worked two jobs to support his family. In an interview with the Tennessean, the pastor confirmed the Hendersonville, Tennessee, father took the day off work Monday to greet Timea when she returned from her first day of middle school.

Neighbor Amanda Harrison, who arranged a candlelight vigil in Timea’s honor, said Batts was “your typical dad… often out there playing and having fun with [his children.]”

In addition to the vigil, the neighbors arranged a community yard sale to raise funds to help Timea’s family with the funeral and other expenses.

Timea Batts was shot dead after coming home from her first day of 6th grade. Her dad charged overnight @NC5 pic.twitter.com/xxJzeIFFfc

— Dan Kennedy (@NC5_DanKennedy) August 9, 2016

Although she was killed inside her home, Timea’s family and friends built a “makeshift memorial” at the corner of Iris and Shady View drives. Mourners have decorated the memorial with balloons, greeting cards, and other small gifts.

Despite the fact that he was charged with reckless homicide, the Hendersonville, Tennessee, father insists his daughter’s death was a tragic accident. Timothy Batts is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on August 24.

[Image via Christopher Slesarchik/Shutterstock]