MURFREESBORO, TN - The investigation into the death of a young Murfreesboro woman is ongoing, but at least two of the primary suspects have already been convicted. According to Rutherford County Assistant District Attorney Trevor Lynch, the case began nearly four years ago on May 31, 2021, when Murfreesboro Police responded to reports of gunshots and a car that had crashed and burst into flames… Video evidence showed the burning car in the front yard of a home on Leaf Avenue, between Huntwood and Hazelwood streets.

An autopsy later confirmed that 18-year-old Taia Nagena Bryant died from a gunshot wound to the head, leading police to question two young men who were believed to have been in Ms. Bryant’s vehicle before it caught fire…

Additional video footage from a nearby gas station, along with information provided by the two males who were in Bryant’s vehicle, proved vital to the case…

Interviews with witnesses who saw Ms. Bryant earlier that night, along with a series of security camera videos and other evidence, led to the arrest of juvenile siblings Dontorius Hamler, 16, and Donzalai Hamler, 17. Nearly two years after their initial appearance in juvenile court, the case was transferred to adult court in Rutherford County.

In 2023, the Hamlers were indicted on charges of second-degree murder, two counts of attempted second-degree murder, four counts of aggravated assault, use of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and reckless endangerment. However, it wasn’t until this year that a plea deal was negotiated between the District Attorney’s Office, the courts, and Ms. Bryant’s family… As of today, Dontorius Hamler—who turned 20 earlier this month (May 2, 2025)—and Donzalai Hamler—who will turn 22 next month (June 23, 2025)—are behind bars at the Bledsoe County Correctional Complex, a state prison in Pikeville, Tennessee. After receiving credit for time served, their sentences are set to end in 2030 and 2031, respectively.

According to the Rutherford County District Attorney’s Office, the investigation into Ms. Bryant’s death remains ongoing, as authorities believe others were involved. Additional arrests are possible.