In the late hours of a Tuesday night in Nashville, Tennessee, the life of 26-year-old Amanda Baucum was tragically cut short. On September 15, 2020, Amanda, a white female, was fatally shot at the Super 8 Motel on Brick Church Pike. The incident stemmed from an argument over money with a man identified as Michael Brigman. Amanda was with her 35-year-old boyfriend, Zachary Van-Auken, who was also shot but survived his injuries.
Following the shooting, Metro Nashville Police were called to
the scene where they found both victims. Amanda Baucum was transported to TriStar Skyline Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. Her boyfriend was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and was listed in stable condition. The investigation quickly pointed to 34-year-old Michael Brigman as the suspect. Surveillance footage from the motel aided police in identifying him.
A manhunt for Brigman ensued, and the Metro Nashville Police sought the public's help in locating him. Just two days after the fatal shooting, on Thursday, September 17, 2020, Michael Brigman Jr. was arrested. He was subsequently charged with criminal homicide for the death of Amanda Baucum and attempted criminal homicide for the shooting of her boyfriend. During an interview with detectives, Brigman admitted his involvement in the shooting, stating that the gunfire was the result of a dispute over money. He was booked into jail with his bond set at $1 million.
Amanda was remembered as a person with an infectious smile who loved travel, random acts of kindness, and had a carefree spirit. A Celebration of Life was held for her in her hometown of Paris, Tennessee.
