MADISON, TN — A heart-wrenching act of domestic violence unfolded late Saturday night in Madison, Tennessee, when a 4-year-old girl was killed and several others, including young children, were critically injured in a shooting. Police have arrested 26-year-old Jovien Smith of Davenport, Iowa, who now faces a long list of charges in connection with the attack.
The violence erupted on Westchester Drive as Smith traveled in a minivan with his girlfriend, a 41-year-old Illinois woman, and her five children. Authorities say the couple began arguing during the drive. At some point, Smith allegedly threw the woman’s phone out the window and tried to take control of the steering wheel, seemingly attempting to cause a crash. She was able to pull over safely, but what followed was devastating.
According to Metro Nashville Police, once the vehicle stopped, Smith pulled out a firearm and shot the woman multiple times at close range. Despite her injuries, she managed to escape the vehicle and run toward nearby homes seeking help. Meanwhile, Smith turned the gun on the children inside the minivan, shooting four of them. A 4-year-old girl died after being rushed to Vanderbilt Pediatrics Children’s Hospital. A 7-year-old and a 1-year-old remain in critical condition. The fifth child was unharmed.
Responding swiftly to 911 calls, officers from the Madison Police Precinct arrived and took Smith into custody without incident. The injured mother was airlifted to Skyline Medical Center, where she is being treated for serious but stable injuries. Authorities say Smith briefly chased her on foot after the shooting, but she was able to get away before officers intervened.
Smith is currently being held on a $2.6 million bond and faces charges including one count of felony murder, five counts of attempted murder, three counts of aggravated assault, and one count of aggravated robbery. Investigators are still working to determine a clear motive beyond the initial domestic dispute. There is no public information yet about Smith’s criminal history.
The brutal nature of the attack has left the local community stunned. Law enforcement officials, child advocacy groups, and neighbors have expressed shock and grief over the tragedy. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward as the investigation continues. The case serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and its tragic impact on innocent lives.
