Just one day after the celebratory milestone of graduating from Page High School, 18-year-old Lily Basil’s life was tragically cut short in Franklin, Tennessee. On the night of Saturday, May 25, 2024, the female teenager was struck by a bullet in her right shoulder from a rifle. Those present attempted to rush her to the hospital, but she was later pronounced dead at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.
The shooting occurred in the McKay's Mill area where a group of
teenagers had been hanging out. The weapon, a. 22 caliber rifle, had reportedly been stored in the trunk of a witness’s car before the incident. A witness at the scene reported seeing the suspect with the rifle by his side, at one point twirling it, before the fatal shot was fired.
In connection with the shooting, police arrested 18-year-old Matthew Roufail. He had graduated from Ravenwood High School, located about ten miles from Page High School, on the same day as Basil. Roufail was taken into custody after he drove to the Williamson County Medical Center, believing that was where Basil had been taken. He was subsequently charged with criminal homicide.
During questioning, Roufail allegedly admitted to shooting Basil. However, he claimed that he did not believe the AR-15-style rifle was loaded at the time. His bond was set at $150,000, which he posted, leading to his release from custody. Following a court appearance, his case was bound over, continuing the legal process. The investigation is considered ongoing, though police believe it was an isolated incident. The community, particularly her friends and faculty at Page High School, mourned the loss of a student described by her principal as a 'light' who was 'kind, sweet and extremely respectful' and whose 'smile lit up every room she entered'.
