Leader of domestic violence prevention coalition reacts to fatal shootings in Hardin County

The CEO of a coalition addressing domestic violence issues says protective order hearings almost always result in some form of tension. She said sometimes it means risks to survivors, court personnel, and advocates. That played out in tragic lethal fashion Monday in Hardin County when two women were fatally shot, another person wounded, and the perpetrator critically injured after shooting himself. He later died at a Tennessee hospital. Angella Yannelli with ZeroV said two outreach advocates were at the Justice Center.

“They were there to go through the whole docket and yet they were there and experienced this firsthand. So, it really made it very personal for all of us and so it’s been a very sad day for us,” said Yannelli.

The fatal shootings occurred in connection with a scheduled protective order hearing. 37-year-old Erica Riley died in the parking lot, her mother 71-year-old Janet Riley died at the hospital. The alleged gunman, 46-year-old Christopher Elder shot himself after a standoff with police.

“No matter what both parties are having to come to court because they need to represent their own stance in getting a protective order. So that’s always a volatile situation, which is why we have court advocates there,” said Yannelli.

Yannelli said those advocates are there to stand and support victims who are going through the court process. Yannelli noted prevention of such a tragedy is a priority. She added the warning signs include emotional abuse, isolation techniques, and controlling the purse strings. Yannelli said the 15 domestic violence shelters are not just for survivors, but even for those who feel they are going in the wrong direction. She said they can call and get some help with resources.

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