A quiet Monday afternoon in the neighborhood of Hendersonville, Tenn. quickly turned tragic on Monday afternoon, as sixth-grade student Timea Lashay Batts lost her life after being shot as she returned home from school.

According to the initial report from Timea's dad, 29-year-old Timothy Batts, the young girl had been shot at some point between her bus stop and her home. Batts further reported that by the time the 11-year-old girl reached her house, she was already bleeding from a gunshot wound.

Timea's father quickly drove her to TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center, where she was later LifeFlighted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. At around 5:30 p.m. on Monday, however, the young girl ultimately succumbed to her injuries.

The Henderson Police Department immediately delved into the case. However, the lack of witnesses, as well the fact that there were no suspects, made the search for Timea's killer very difficult. Even the neighbors reported that no gunshot had been heard during the time when the 11-year-old was supposedly shot.

It was at this point when things took a rather interesting and somewhat disturbing turn.

With no leads to follow, police began to explore the possibility of the young girl accidentally shooting herself. After acquiring a search warrant, authorities searched the 11-year-old's house.

A few hours later, police announced that an arrest had been made. Timothy Batts was charged with reckless homicide, tampering with evidence, false reporting and possessing a firearm as a felon.

Hendersonville police Det. Sgt. Jim Vaughn described why Timea's father was arrested.

"The evidence tells me that it happened inside," Vaughn stated, referring to the shooting.

With the slaying of the 11-year-old shaking the neighborhood, officials from Sumner County Schools released a statement about Timea.

"Our entire school district is grieved to learn of the tragic loss of one of our sixth-grade students, Timea Lashay Batts. Timea was a bright and kind girl who was well loved by her classmates and teachers. She will be greatly missed at Knox Doss Middle School at Drakes Creek," the announcement stated.

"It is our understanding from communicating with authorities that today's tragic event in Hendersonville was not school related. The incident did not occur on the bus or at the bus stop. We have no reason to believe that there is any threat to student safety on any of our school campuses due to this tragic event."

Though police have not announced the specifics of the case, early reports state that Timothy Batts is currently being held on a $1 million bond.

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Murder