According to police, an Iowa man allegedly opened fire on his girlfriend and her five children after arguing in a minivan while visiting Nashville.
Nashville police confirmed that the incident occurred around 10 p.m. Saturday. The shooting occurred inside the minivan that the children were riding in.
Jovien T. Smith, 26, allegedly shot his girlfriend before spraying bullets into the minivan. Fox 17 Nashville reported that a four-year-old girl died and two other children were critically injured.
According to the station, the argument occurred while the woman was driving the minivan. According to Fox Nashville, Smith threw the woman’s cell phone out the window before attempting to grab the steering wheel.
The woman was able to pull over but was shot multiple times before fleeing the vehicle. The station reported that Smith then opened fire on the children. According to Fox Nashville, four out of the five children were shot.
After shooting at the children, Smith allegedly got out of the van and chased their mother, even as she sought help from people in nearby homes, according to News Channel 5.
According to the station, the children in critical condition ranged in age from one to seven years. Their mother was in serious condition in the hospital.
According to the station, Smith faces multiple charges, including homicide and five counts of attempted homicide.
