In a tragic event that unfolded in a Goodlettsville, Tennessee home, Barbara Pitts, a 32-year-old female, lost her life on Friday, January 28, 2022. The devastating incident was a triple murder-suicide carried out by her husband, 32-year-old James Travis Pitts. The violence also claimed the lives of their two daughters, 13-year-old MaKayla Kleinert and 6-year-old Riley Pitts.
The series of events began to unfold when James Travis Pitts himself contacted 911 at approximately 6:21 a.m..
In his chilling call to dispatchers, he admitted to shooting his wife and two daughters. He further stated his intention to take his own life, attributing his actions to mental health issues and explaining that he had 'snapped'.. Law enforcement was immediately dispatched to the family's residence on Greer Road.
An East Precinct Sergeant, who was on his way home from his shift, was the first to arrive at the scene. He attempted to establish communication with James Travis Pitts, using the loudspeaker of his patrol car. However, his efforts to de-escalate the situation were tragically cut short when a single gunshot was heard from inside the house at 6:38 a.m.. Upon entering the home, officers discovered a horrific scene. James Travis Pitts was found deceased in the living room from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Barbara Pitts was discovered in the master bedroom, while her daughters were found in their respective bedrooms. At the time they were found, Barbara and MaKayla were still alive and were rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, MaKayla died upon arrival at the hospital, and Barbara succumbed to her injuries during surgery.. Inside the home, investigators located a suicide note and a Glock pistol, believed to be the weapon used in the killings. The incident was investigated by homicide detectives as a triple murder-suicide.
