When a Father's Fear Turns Fatal: The Timea Batts Story

0:00 On a sweltering summer day of 2016, the town of Hendersonville was devastated by tragedy. Timothy Batts, age 29, tearfully claimed that he had accidentally shot and killed his own daughter, precious 11 year old Tamaya, at her emotional funeral. The father, who was facing charges of murder, gave a moving speech and released doves in honor of his beloved child. As the investigation unfolded, it became apparent that there were more details to this story than a simple accident. Details revealed that Bats had a history of criminal activity and was not legally allowed to possess a firearm. He initially told authorities that Tamaya had been shot by someone else after getting off the school bus, but surveillance footage painted a different picture. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Bats confessed to firing at his daughter, mistaking her for an intruder or attacker. In his drowsy state, the community was left in shock from the loss of such a bright young girl who was loved by all. Tamaya's school communities were deeply affected by her passing, and counselors were brought in to offer support to grieving students and staff members.

1:14 Principal Mike Hayes held meetings and encouraged wearing pink in honor of Tamaya. Neighbors remembered her as a joyful cheerleader and softball player who always spread positive energy throughout the neighborhood. They also spoke highly of the Bats family and their other children. As the trial continued, more evidence was presented, including video footage showing Bats entering and leaving the home on the day of the shooting. The images were difficult for Bats to see as they depicted his beloved daughter's final moments before her tragic death. The entire ordeal left the small town shaken and questioning how something like this could happen.

1:56 Despite their shock, many still remembered Bats as a devoted father and wondered if he was trying to turn his life around before this devastating incident occurred. One thing remained certain, nothing would ever be quite the same in Hendersonville. In a dramatic twist, prosecution presented damning evidence in the form of photographs depicting a bullet casing discovered in Batts bedroom, along with the bullet hole and projectile itself. The defense vehemently argued that the discovery of a large sum of cash during a search of Batts home was simply an attempt by the state to portray him as a criminal. However, the judge allowed it as evidence due to its relevance and understanding Batts psychological state at the time of the shooting. During cross examination, the fervent defense attorneys probed for any connections between the discovered money and criminal activity, to which Detective Sims firmly replied no and stated that the funds had been promptly returned to Bats's fiance by authorities.

3:01 The defense team also honed in on video footage capturing Tamaya's slow entrance into the home after returning from school, highlighting her bare feet in the dining area and insinuating that she may have been crawling or moving slowly throughout the house, potentially startling Bats enough to discharge a shot. Prosecutors quickly countered with arguments about Bats's handling of the gun, which happened to belong to his cousin James Brown. After the shooting, Bats hastily passed the weapon to his cousin, who had left it at his house earlier. During police questioning, Bats revealed that he never would have willingly kept such a firearm in his possession.

3:43 On tape, he can be heard saying. I couldn't have predicted something like this happening. The prosecution used this evidence to portray Bats as deceptive and untrustworthy in his interactions with law enforcement. In contrast, the defense began their statements by asserting that Bats only took possession of the gun after seeing Tamaya being taken to the hospital on a stretcher. To further strengthen their argument, the defense argued that Bats was unaware of Timaya's imminent death and was concerned about how it would look for a convicted felon to possess a gun. On the second day of the trial, the prosecution called Doctor David Zimmerman, a respected forensic pathologist and medical examiner, as a witness.

4:28 He had performed an autopsy on Timaya Bats the day after the shooting and determined that her cause of death was a single gunshot wound to the abdomen. The bullet had passed through multiple organs before exiting her body. During his testimony, Zimmerman emphasized that in such fatal cases, all of the injuries sustained contribute to the ultimate cause of death due to the extensive network of vessels and capillaries in those areas. It was also revealed during the trial that Timothy Batts had been a victim of a previous shooting several years ago. The defense argued that this experience had made him more cautious and afraid when he heard commotion in his home on the day of the incident.

5:14 They claimed that Batts did not expect Tamaya to be present at the time and because she did not respond to his calls, he believed it was an intruder. To support their argument, the defense showed the jury bullet wounds Bats had suffered in 2011, six in his back and a graze on his head. This was intended to demonstrate that Bats had a valid reason to be cautious and fearful given his past experience. While details about the 2011 shooting were not provided, the arrest affidavit for Bats's assailant was obtained by Fox 17 News. According to official records, on January 13th, 2011, Bats was driving with two friends when they left Where's Barbershop at 1008 Jefferson St.

6:00 Suddenly, Cheyenne Turner started shooting at them. Bats was hit multiple times until one of his companions retrieved a gun from their car and fought back against Turner. Turner attempted to flee in a Chevy Tahoe, but eventually had to escape on foot. The police later discovered that Turner was accompanied by the driver of the Tahoe, Wesley Coleman. As it turns out, Turner and Bats knew each other from sharing a child with the same woman. This woman, Tamaya's mother, was frequently mentioned during Bats's trial for shooting Tamaya. According to legal documents, both men had previous altercations with each other. In the end, Turner and Coleman were found guilty of attempted second degree murder in connection to Bats previous shooting.

6:49 Thank you for tuning in to No Tears for Black Girls. This series is skillfully crafted by acclaimed writer and producer Jon Reedberg with the guidance of unapologetic host Samantha Paul. Catch new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday on all major podcast platforms. You can listen anywhere, anytime, and if you truly enjoy our content, please leave a 5 star rating and positive review. Remember to stay loved, stay blessed, and stay safe.