What the couple did not know on the time was the driving force, Dangelo Dorsey, 29, had simply dedicated a collection of lethal crimes and an tried carjacking, authorities mentioned.
He’d opened hearth inside a shifting car, killing one particular person and wounding one other, then jumped out of the automobile as visitors slowed down, mentioned David Rausch, director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. In an try to carjack one other car, Dorsey had allegedly shot a lady within the hand as she tried to drive away. A close-by truck driver suffered a gunshot wound to the face.
However the Stevens had been unaware. They pulled over after the accident, and their hourslong nightmare started.
“They stopped, believing it to be a fender-bender, and — at that time — Dorsey took them hostage at gunpoint,” the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation mentioned.
By the point the ordeal ended about 3:45 p.m., two males — Jordan Stevens and Darcey Johnson — had been useless. As well as, Aileen Stevens was hospitalized and three different folks had been wounded.
They had been anticipating their first youngster
Aileen Stevens, 23, a kindergarten trainer, is 4 months pregnant with their first youngster — a daughter. Her brother, Eliezer Rostran, mentioned Jordan Stevens, 23, was working laborious at his building job to supply for his rising household.
The highschool sweethearts would go to church collectively Sundays, then spend time with household afterward. Aileen Stevens’ mom attends the identical church, and when she did not see them that morning, she obtained anxious. “That is how she knew one thing was flawed,” Rostran mentioned.
After Dorsey took them hostage, he compelled them to drive him to their house in Morrison, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation mentioned. Whereas there, he allegedly stole two of their weapons, swapped autos right into a Toyota Rav4 and compelled them into the automobile with him.
In some unspecified time in the future, he took the couple to a location within the McMinnville space and shot useless Jordan Stevens in entrance of his spouse, authorities mentioned. Then he pushed his physique out of the car, compelled Aileen Stevens again into the Rav4 and returned to the interstate, the TBI mentioned.
“Authorities later recovered him alongside Interstate 24 westbound close to Exit 111-B,” Rausch mentioned in an announcement.
Regulation enforcement from a number of businesses had been working to seek out the SUV, and positioned it about 3:45 p.m., resulting in a pursuit that reached speeds of over 100 mph. It crashed and flipped.
“At that time, Dorsey took his personal life. The feminine hostage was safely recovered,” Rausch mentioned.
Couple prayed for the suspect throughout ordeal, brother says
Whereas within the automobile with the suspect, the couple prayed for him, mentioned Rostran, who’s talked together with his sister.
“He was going to launch them, he requested, ‘would you pray for me?’ They prayed, Jordan prayed, after which he mentioned they should not have prayed. Some folks do not care about God, however God is sweet, and is all the time devoted,” Rostran mentioned.
After spending the week within the hospital, Aileen Stevens is house recuperating. She’s holding on to her religion, her brother mentioned, and particularly the Bible verse Romans 8:28.
The verse says: “And we all know that in all issues God works for the great of those that love him, who’ve been known as in response to his objective.”
Aileen Stevens is heartbroken however is making an attempt to remain robust for her child, her brother mentioned. Whereas the random act of violence modified their lives eternally, her brother mentioned the main focus is on her therapeutic.
“We would like everybody to know that my sister doesn’t hate the actions of the topic. She would not hate the household both. She prays for mercy and loving kindness for all households concerned,” Rostran mentioned.
The TBI has not launched any data on the motive. The suspect knew the victims within the preliminary incident that concerned the shifting car, TBI spokesman Josh DeVine mentioned, however declined to supply additional data. The 4 folks injured within the rampage are anticipated to recuperate.
Investigators are working to find out a motive
Authorities are attempting to assemble data and proof in what they known as a protracted and sophisticated investigation. They’re asking anybody with photos, video or particulars on the case to succeed in out.
“We’re working to find out a motive, together with a by way of understanding of the info of the case, which — in flip — will likely be submitted to the District Legal professional Common who requested our involvement for additional evaluate,” DeVine mentioned.
Morrison is about 80 miles from Nashville.
