Nurse Murder Conviction Upheld on Appeal

The Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals has affirmed the 25-year conviction of Devaunte Hill for the 2020 murder of Nashville nurse Caitlyn Kaufman. Kaufman was shot and killed by a single bullet while commuting to her overnight shift at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West in December 2020.

Hill, who fired the fatal shots, argued on appeal that his juvenile record and gang affiliations were improperly presented to the jury. He also contended that his sentence was excessive. James Cowan, who drove the car, was acquitted in the same trial.

During the trial, Hill testified that his actions were impulsive, a reaction to Kaufman cutting off their vehicle. He also admitted to drug and alcohol use that day. The trial court allowed prosecutors to question Hill about prior gun crimes after his own testimony implied knowledge of potential harm from firearms.

The appeals court found no abuse of discretion by the trial judge regarding the admission of evidence. Furthermore, the court upheld the 25-year sentence, stating it was within the proper range and that the trial court properly considered and declined mitigating factors presented by the defense. The conviction and sentence for Hill now stand.