Woman found in Williamson County woods identified as Maury County resident

Law enforcement agencies in multiple Tennessee counties are investigating the death of Savannah Pierce as a murder. Investigators located Pierce's body in a wooded area of Williamson County last month. Her family released new details regarding the circumstances of her death on Monday, days before her scheduled 30th birthday.

Pierce, a mother of three, had moved to Maury County from her hometown outside Bristol, Tennessee, roughly one month prior to her disappearance. Her mother, Aleta Peters, stated that Pierce told family members she was living with an old boyfriend she had reconnected with. Peters noted that Pierce maintained regular contact with her family and would have called if something was wrong.

The family first reached out to the boyfriend after Pierce stopped answering calls on her birthday. He claimed she had left his house with another man on a motorcycle. Peters said the family doubted this account because of Pierce's consistent communication habits. The couple both had histories with drug problems, according to Peters, but the mother expressed shock at the manner of her daughter's death.

A private investigator approached the family to assist with the case after they posted on social media and contacted local law enforcement. The investigator examined travel patterns for the man Pierce was living with. Peters said the investigator smelled a decomposing body at the final location he checked. That discovery led to the location of the grave.

Investigators told Peters that Pierce was wrapped in plastic and buried in a shallow hole in the woods. Rocks were placed on top of the burial site to conceal the body. The Maury County home where Pierce lived is the suspected origin point for the crime. Deputies are currently examining how the body was transported from Maury County to the wooded area in Williamson County.

Peters said investigators revealed that Pierce was taken to a hospital on September 14 after cutting her hand on scrap metal. This incident occurred only hours before she died. According to Peters, the boyfriend argued with Pierce and beat her before shooting her in the bedroom. Peters said Pierce exited the bedroom, walked down the steps, and asked for help. She then laid down on the porch, where she died. The family was told the couple did not call for emergency assistance.

Deputies confirmed they are looking into two individuals in connection with the case. No arrests have been filed as of Monday. Investigators stated they do not believe the suspects pose a threat to the general community. The family is still processing the loss, with Peters noting that the shock has not faded.

Peters described the difficulty of not having a chance to say goodbye to her daughter. Pierce went directly from the grave to cremation without the family being able to view the body. Peters said she never got to hold her daughter's hand or touch her one last time. The family is seeking justice for what they describe as a preventable tragedy.

Peters remembered Pierce as a woman who loved the outdoors and travel. Pierce often moved to new locations to start jobs and seek new experiences. Peters said her daughter loved life and simply wanted someone to love her back. The investigation continues as deputies work to establish a full timeline of events.