In the summer of 2022, a young woman's life was cut tragically short during a dispute at a Nashville apartment complex. Saniya Lofton, a 19-year-old female, was fatally shot on August 4, 2022, at the Stonebrook Apartments in Antioch. Lofton was at the apartment to help her cousin move out. An altercation broke out, and Shaquavius Moore, a 24-year-old man from Illinois who had been staying at the residence, became involved.
During the course of the argument, Moore retrieved a gun and
opened fire. Lofton was struck and pronounced dead at the scene. The gunfire also injured three of Lofton's family members who were present: her mother, her cousin, and one of her brothers. All three were transported to local hospitals with injuries they were expected to survive. Another of Lofton's brothers managed to escape the apartment unharmed by jumping from a second-story window.
After the shooting, Moore fled the scene and traveled to Cheatham County, where he eventually contacted authorities. He was taken into custody and later admitted to the shooting, claiming it was in self-defense. Despite his claim, authorities charged him with one count of criminal homicide for the death of Saniya Lofton and four counts of attempted criminal homicide for firing at her family members. Moore was booked into jail with a bond set at $650,000.
Saniya Lofton was remembered as a kind and giving person with a bright future. She had graduated from Oakland High School and was preparing to enter her second year at Motlow State Community College. Those who knew her described her as having a wonderful personality and an infectious smile. Her untimely death left her family and friends to mourn the loss of a loved one who was just beginning her adult life.
