On the final day of 2017, a promising life was tragically cut short in Madison, Tennessee. Brentrice Wilson, a vibrant 16-year-old female, was fatally shot in an incident that sent ripples of shock and grief through her community. The teenager, known for her beautiful smile and infectious personality, had her whole life ahead of her, with dreams of possibly becoming a chef.
She was a student at Maplewood High School and also worked at Checkers and helped with a family food truck.
The fatal shooting occurred in the early morning hours of December 31, 2017, at the Falcon View Apartments on East Palestine Avenue. According to reports from the Metro Nashville Police Department, a group of juveniles were together inside an apartment when the incident took place. A 12-year-old girl was reportedly handling a handgun when it discharged, striking Brentrice. The firearm involved was alleged to have been taken from a vehicle in a nearby parking lot.
In the wake of the shooting, the 12-year-old girl was taken into custody and charged with criminal homicide. The case was slated to be handled by the Juvenile Court. The young suspect's identity was not publicly released due to her age. The incident highlighted the devastating consequences of gun violence and the accessibility of firearms to young people.
Friends and family remembered Brentrice as a funny, smart, and caring individual who was not afraid to stand up for herself. Her obituary described her as having a 'heart of gold' and being a responsible young lady who was excited about the prospect of graduating high school a year early. Her sudden and violent death left a void in the lives of her loved ones, who mourned the loss of a young woman with so much potential.
