Franklin, Tennessee – A tragic incident unfolded in Franklin, Tennessee, where a high school graduate tragically lost her life after being accidentally shot by an 18-year-old carrying what he believed to be an unloaded AR-15 style rifle.
The victim, Lily Basil, had recently graduated from Page High School in Franklin when she was fatally shot by Matthew Roufail. Roufail, who has admitted to the shooting, has been charged with criminal homicide and released on a $150,000 bond.
According to police reports, Roufail claimed that the shooting was accidental and he mistakenly believed the rifle was not loaded when he pulled the trigger, hitting Basil in the right shoulder. Basil was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
In the wake of the tragedy, the school community at Page High is mourning the loss of Basil, who was described as a kind and respectful individual. The school principal, Dr. Katie Hill, expressed deep sadness over Basil’s untimely death, highlighting her positive impact on those around her.
Friends and family members of Lily Basil have taken to social media to pay tribute to her, sharing fond memories and expressing their love for the young graduate. The community is coming together to honor her memory, planning candlelight vigils and other tributes to celebrate the life of a bright light extinguished too soon.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the community is grappling with the loss of a promising young individual and the tragic consequences of a preventable accident. The repercussions of this event serve as a stark reminder of the importance of firearm safety and responsible gun ownership.