HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Hendersonville Police are investigating the death of 7-year-old Piper after her mother reportedly drowned her in the water along a local greenway.
We visited the park where it happened in the player above.
According to officials, the mother, Brandi Nicole Elliot, stated that she wanted time alone after a rough day, and that her daughter came outside and "refused to leave [her] alone".
Piper didn't not want to stay inside by herself.
The mother then took the child across the street to the greenway. She said that since the victim would not "give her what she wanted, time alone, that she would give her what she wanted".
That's when Elliot reportedly held her under the water until she felt her bubbling. She reportedly told the child to be quiet while she held her under the water.
"It's not like the Brandi we knew,' said DeAnna Sartain.
She is a friend of Elliott's having worked together for several years.
Sartain also knew Piper.
"She was always smiling ... she was just a vivacious child," she said.
Sartain says that on Saturday, Elliott took Piper to visit her father in the hospital and everything seemed fine. They went there and Piper colored pages from a book to put on the wall, and two hours later Piper had passed away.
"Is there any way you can explain this? What do you thnk could have led her to do this?" We asked.
"I keep analyzing it and there's nothing. I just don't get it," Sartain said.
Elliot was charged with first-degree murder and is being held in the Sumner County Jail. The District Attorney didn't say if he would seek the death penalty in this case — bond hearing is scheduled for Friday.
It’s a sad reality that area animal shelters and non-profit rescue organizations face constant overcrowding -- with so many dogs, cats and other animals waiting for a forever home. Jason Lamb reports here that Metro leaders are working with those groups – including Critter Cavalry – to find solutions. I’ve fostered a dog from Critter Cavalry, so I understand the need is great. And I found my pup Domino through another local group, Proverbs Animal Rescue. Ultimately, it starts with all of us. Getting more dogs and cats spayed or neutered can help control the pet population – and ease the burden.
-Rhori Johnston
