Heartbreak in Madison: 4-Year-Old Girl Killed, Siblings Injured as Jovien Smith Opens Fire on Family in Minivan

MADISON, Tenn. — A family trip turned into a horrifying tragedy Saturday night when a man opened fire inside a minivan on a Tennessee roadside, killing a 4-year-old girl and wounding four of her siblings in a domestic violence-fueled attack.

Authorities have arrested 26-year-old Jovien Smith of Davenport, Iowa, who is now facing multiple charges including murder and attempted murder following the shocking incident that unfolded on a quiet residential street in Madison, a neighborhood in northeast Nashville.

A Domestic Dispute Turns Deadly

According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, the violence began during an escalating argument between Smith and his 41-year-old girlfriend, a woman from Illinois. The couple, along with her five young children, were traveling in a Dodge minivan to visit relatives in the Nashville area.

While on the road, an enraged Smith allegedly threw his girlfriend’s phone out of the window during the argument. Then, in what investigators believe was a deliberate attempt to cause a crash, Smith tried to yank the steering wheel from the driver’s hands.

The woman managed to safely pull the vehicle to the side of the road near the 100 block of East Old Hickory Boulevard. But the moment the car stopped, the situation worsened.

Police say Smith produced a pistol and began shooting at his girlfriend, striking her multiple times. Bleeding and terrified, the woman managed to flee on foot, running toward nearby homes to seek help.

Children Targeted in the Carnage

With the mother gone, Smith reportedly turned his weapon on the five children still inside the minivan. In an appalling act of violence, he fired several rounds into the back of the vehicle, striking four of the five children—all under the age of 10.

All five children were rushed to Vanderbilt Pediatrics, but despite life-saving efforts, the 4-year-old girl succumbed to her injuries. Two of her siblings—a 1-year-old and a 7-year-old—remain in critical condition. The two other wounded children are said to be in stable condition.

“This is a horrific act of violence that no family should ever endure,” a Nashville police spokesperson said. “We are working closely with the District Attorney’s Office to ensure justice is served for these innocent victims.”

Suspect Apprehended After Chase

After shooting the children, Smith is said to have chased his severely wounded girlfriend on foot through a residential area while still armed. Several neighbors reported hearing gunshots and screams before police units from the Madison Precinct arrived on the scene and apprehended Smith without further incident.

He was taken into custody while still in possession of the pistol believed to have been used in the attack. Police have not said whether the gun was legally owned.

The children’s mother was transported to Skyline Medical Center, where she remains hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Charges and Investigation

As of Sunday morning, Jovien Smith is facing a first-degree murder charge for the death of the 4-year-old, with additional attempted murder charges pending for the shootings of the other children and their mother.

Investigators are also exploring whether the suspect had any prior history of domestic violence. Initial background checks suggest Smith does not have a lengthy criminal record, but authorities are continuing to investigate the relationship history between him and the children’s mother.

“This is an active and fluid investigation,” the MNPD said in a statement. “We ask the public for patience and for anyone who may have witnessed any part of this tragedy to come forward.”

Community Response and Support

The senseless nature of the crime has rocked the Madison community. Local officials, pastors, and advocates for domestic violence victims have expressed outrage and sorrow over the loss of a young child and the trauma inflicted on the entire family.

“This family came to Nashville for a visit and now they’re in a hospital facing an unthinkable nightmare,” said Rev. Tracy Owens of the East Nashville Interfaith Coalition. “This is why we must treat domestic violence as the public emergency it is.”

Counseling services and trauma support have been mobilized for surviving family members, and a GoFundMe campaign has been launched by relatives to help cover funeral expenses and long-term medical care for the injured children.

A Reminder of the Dangers of Domestic Violence

This tragic incident highlights the devastating toll domestic disputes can take—not only on partners but on innocent children caught in the crossfire. Law enforcement officials reiterated the importance of seeking help early in toxic or abusive relationships.

“There were five children in that car. One of them won’t see her next birthday,” said MNPD Chief John Drake. “We can’t undo what happened, but we must use every tool we have to prevent this from happening again.”

Jovien Smith is currently being held at the Davidson County Jail without bond. His first court appearance is expected early next week.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Nashville Police Department.