In Franklin, Tennessee an 18-year-old girl was shot and killed just one day after her high school graduation celebration. Lily Basil, described by her principal as someone whose “smile lit up every room she entered,” was struck by a bullet from a rifle on the evening of May 25, 2024. She died from her injuries at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville.
The suspected shooter, Matthew Roufail, also 18, claimed he believed the .22-caliber rifle was unloaded when he fired it. According to police reports, the incident occurred while the teens were hanging out, and the rifle had been in the trunk of a car belonging to one of their friends.
Authorities responded to a 911 call from a witness transporting Basil to the hospital. They intercepted the car on Murfreesboro Road and transferred Basil to an ambulance. Despite the efforts of first responders, Basil was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Roufail was arrested at Williamson County Medical Center, where he had gone, believing it to be the hospital where Basil was being treated. He has been charged with criminal homicide, with his bond set at $150,000. Roufail admitted to shooting Basil but maintained that he did not know the gun was loaded.
Roufail, who graduated from Ravenwood High School, located about 10 miles away from Page High, was released on bond on May 28, 2024. His first court appearance is scheduled for June 8, 2024. The community is grappling with the sudden and senseless loss, organizing several memorials to honor Basil’s memory.
One of the witnesses, who had been present during the shooting, confirmed to the police that Roufail had used a .22-caliber rifle, which he thought was unloaded. This incident has highlighted the risks associated with firearms and the critical importance of gun safety, especially among teenagers.
Basil’s family, friends, and the broader community are left to mourn a young life taken far too soon. The outpouring of grief and support has been immense, with many remembering her as a vibrant, kind, and loving individual.
Basil had graduated from Page High School in Franklin just the day before the shooting. The Page High community is reeling from the loss. Principal Dr. Katie Hill released a statement saying, “The Page High community is grieving the loss of 2024 graduate Lily Basil. Described as a light, Lily was kind, sweet, and highly respectful. Her smile lit up every room. Despite being a recent addition to the Page family, she quickly embraced the Patriot spirit and befriended everyone she met. Faculty, staff, and students will miss her deeply, and we are committed to honoring her memory by sharing her light.”
A celebration of life service is planned for May 31 at Rolling Hills Community Church in Franklin. Additionally, Page High School has invited community members to participate in a “Light the Night Memorial” by lighting candles, luminaries, or porch lights at sunset to honor Basil’s life and legacy.
Principal Hill’s statement captured the collective sentiment: “Help us honor Lily and celebrate the light she brought to our lives by lighting a candle, a luminary, or by turning on a porch light that evening.”
