Nashville, Tennessee – The ongoing legal battle over the release of documents related to the 2023 Nashville elementary school shooting reached a critical point as attorneys urged a judge to make a decision following the recent publication of leaked records about the shooter. The case involves a dispute over whether investigative files from the Covenant School massacre, which resulted in the tragic deaths of six individuals, including three children, should be made public under Tennessee’s public records law. Parents of Covenant School students have joined the lawsuit, arguing against the release of the documents to prevent potential harm to their children.
Despite keeping the documents hidden, significant information about the shooter’s writings has been leaked to the media on two occasions. Most notably, The Tennessee Star published numerous stories based on 80 pages of the shooter’s writings obtained from an undisclosed source. This publication, also part of the group suing for access to the records, has sparked further legal action.
In response to the publication of details from the leaked documents, a Tennessee judge ordered Editor-in-Chief Michael Leahy and Star News Digital Media, the parent company of The Tennessee Star, to appear in court and explain their actions. The judge, Chancellor I’Ashea Myles, expressed the need for clarity on the situation and pledged to issue a ruling after hearing from all parties involved.
Despite concerns raised by attorneys over the leaked documents, the judge emphasized that the contempt proceedings were not directly related to the release of records. Attorneys representing different sides of the case urged the court to make a prompt decision on the underlying issue, emphasizing the need for a resolution.
Investigations into the source of the leaks are ongoing, with Nashville Police Lieutenant Alfredo Arevalo pointing to a former colleague as a potential suspect. The former lieutenant, Garet Davidson, is believed to have had access to the investigative file and has reportedly shared details on various platforms, including a radio show.
The case has brought attention to the complexities of balancing transparency with privacy concerns, especially in sensitive matters like school shootings. The legal proceedings continue to unfold as parties on all sides push for their respective interests to be upheld.