Detectives with the Murfreesboro Police Department Criminal Investigations Division are searching for whoever shot a woman, causing her vehicle to wreck and burst into flames on Monday, May 31. Despite efforts from responding officers trying to save the woman from the burning vehicle, she died.

Officers responded to reports of a vehicle engulfed in flames around 11 p.m. May 31 in the backyard of a home in the 1600 block of Leaf Ave. Two MPD officers used fire extinguishers to try and put out the fire, but it spread quickly. The flames were too intense, and the officers were not able to get out the woman, who was identified as 18-year-old Taia Bryant.

Police are still searching for the suspects. 

Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department firefighters arrived shortly after and put out the fire.

Once the victim was removed from the driver’s seat, it was discovered she had been shot multiple times. The victim sustained burns over her entire body. She was pronounced dead at Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital.

There were two passengers in the vehicle but ran from the scene to escape continued gunfire.

MFRD Fire Marshal’s Office will be investigating the car fire.

If you know who is responsible, please contact Detective Julia Cox at 629-201-5514 or email tips to crimetips@murfreesborotn.gov.