Unveiling the Tragic Truth: Domestic Violence Homicides in Tennessee

Guns in Dangerous Hands: A Shocking Reality

In Tennessee’s largest cities, 1 in 4 domestic violence homicide victims were shot by individuals legally barred from owning firearms.

Under Supervision: A Systemic Failure

Some victims were killed by suspects who were supposed to be monitored by probation officers, highlighting a critical oversight.

A Deadly Blind Spot: The Gaps in Protection

When warrants are issued, probation officers halt in-person visits, leaving vulnerable victims at risk—six young Black mothers lost their lives during this dangerous gap.

These highlights reveal the urgent need for reform in Tennessee’s probation system to protect domestic violence victims and prevent further tragedies.

Guns in Dangerous Hands: A Deep Dive into Domestic Violence Homicides in Tennessee

Reporting Highlights

• Guns in Dangerous Hands: Approximately 1 in 4 domestic violence homicide victims in Tennessee’s five largest cities were allegedly shot by individuals legally barred from possessing firearms.

• Under Supervision: Some victims were killed by suspects who were under supervision by Tennessee probation officers at the time of the incidents.

• A Deadly Blind Spot: When a warrant is issued for a probationer’s arrest, probation officers cease in-person visits and home searches, creating a gap that has proven fatal for several young Black mothers.

On October 7, 2019, Temptress Peebles, a 30-year-old beautician from Nashville, reached out to the local probation office, pleading for assistance. Just days prior, her ex-boyfriend, Brandon Horton, had violently assaulted her, choking her and kicking her in the face. This was not an isolated incident; Peebles had been living in fear since Horton had previously broken into her home and threatened her with a gun.

Despite her desperate call for help, Horton failed to appear for his court date, and law enforcement did not apprehend him until it was too late. Ten days after Peebles sought help, Horton shot her outside her apartment, while her 8-year-old daughter, Khloe, witnessed the horrific event. Horton is currently awaiting trial for Peebles’ murder.

The Context of Domestic Violence in Tennessee

Tennessee has one of the highest rates of women killed by men in the United States. A joint investigation by WPLN and ProPublica revealed that from 2007 to 2023, at least 86 individuals—approximately 25% of domestic violence homicide victims—were allegedly killed by suspects who were legally prohibited from possessing firearms. Among these, 16 suspects were on probation at the time of the killings.

The investigation highlighted a significant flaw in the probation supervision system. When a probationer is charged with a new crime or found with a firearm, a warrant may be issued for their arrest. However, during the period between the warrant’s issuance and its execution, probation officers halt in-person supervision, leaving victims vulnerable. This gap in oversight can last for months, during which time offenders remain free and potentially dangerous.

The Case of Temptress Peebles

Peebles had been in a tumultuous relationship with Horton, who had a history of violent crime, including a conviction for facilitation of second-degree murder. Despite being classified as a high-risk offender, Horton was repeatedly released into the community under probation supervision. Records indicate that Peebles had reported multiple instances of abuse, but the system failed to protect her.

In January 2019, after Horton assaulted Peebles, a probation violation warrant was requested. However, the case was dismissed when Peebles did not appear in court, likely due to fear of further retaliation from Horton. This pattern of systemic failure continued, allowing Horton to remain free despite multiple arrests and violations.

The Deadly Blind Spot

The investigation uncovered that between 2019 and 2022, at least six women, all young Black mothers, were killed during the period when probation officers ceased in-person supervision due to outstanding warrants. These women were left unprotected at a time when they were most vulnerable, highlighting a critical flaw in the probation system.

Sarah Gallagher, a spokesperson for the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC), stated that while supervision remains "active" for offenders with warrants, the focus shifts to assisting law enforcement in apprehending them. This means that probation officers stop conducting in-person visits, leaving victims without the necessary support and oversight.

The Impact of Systemic Failures

The consequences of these systemic failures are devastating. In the cases examined, the time between the issuance of a warrant and the arrest of the offender ranged from nine days to over 400 days. During this time, victims like Peebles were left to navigate their dangerous situations without the support they desperately needed.

Experts in domestic violence and probation management have criticized this practice, arguing that it creates a dangerous environment for victims. The lack of specialized domestic violence teams and the high caseloads for probation officers further exacerbate the issue, making it difficult for officers to provide adequate supervision and support.

Conclusion

The tragic case of Temptress Peebles serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by domestic violence victims in Tennessee. The systemic failures within the probation system, coupled with the ease of access to firearms for prohibited individuals, create a perilous situation for those seeking safety. As the state grapples with these issues, it is imperative to reevaluate and reform the systems in place to protect victims and hold offenders accountable.

This investigation sheds light on the urgent need for policy changes and improved practices within the probation system to prevent further tragedies and ensure the safety of domestic violence victims in Tennessee.