The wife of a well-known Nashville stagehand who spent two decades working with country music legend Randy Travis is accused of shooting him dead and telling authorities that she did so because he was cheating on her.
Thomas Roberts, 68, was allegedly shot and killed at his wife Christine Roberts' home on Howard Avenue in Nashville, Tennessee. Christine Roberts, 72, was detained and charged with criminal homicide. Roberts, the lighting director for "Gifted," was discovered wounded in the chest while resting on his porch.
On the spot, he passed away.
After his passing, tributes came in, including one from Travis.
He was described as always willing and eager to help, with a "can do" mentality.
The country music icon said, "He was a gentle giant of a guy who carried a song in his heart and wore a permanent smile on his face.
Officers from the East Precinct responded to the call at 8 o'clock on Sunday, and Christine allegedly admitted to shooting her husband as retaliation for his infidelity.
There were no other information provided on the shooting or the purported affair.
On July 11, a firearm was discovered at the scene, according to the police.
A $100,000 bond has been posted for her.
Pictures shared on the couple's social media accounts highlighted their ostensibly blissful marriage.
Thomas frequently talked about attending concerts and preparing meals for his family. On Christmas Eve, the pair shared a selfie of themselves on a Nashville rooftop, seeming content with one other. In recent months, the couple posted a number of pictures to their Facebook accounts, in which both appeared to enjoy each other's presence. Thomas has shared images from his time working as a stagehand and lighting director for various singers on his social media accounts. Thomas, who once worked with Vince Gill, shared images of Olivia Newton-John performing live at several venues while on tour.
Thomas had additionally shared a picture of Travis, claiming that the two had collaborated for 20 years before the celebrity's stroke in 2013. Following the passing of his friend, 64-year-old Travis posted a tearful statement on social media.
He said, "The stage has gone dim with the passing of Thom Roberts. For many years, the Randy Travis band and crew had the opportunity to share the winding roads and the beautiful venues with one of the very best stage lighting technicians in the business."
He added that "Thom not only had a magical sense about lighting a stage but he had a quiet, charismatic presence that ignited your soul."
He then added," As we go back out next week, for the "More Life" tour of Randy Travis, the music will not be near as sweet; but, I will once again be reminded of the blessing I was given to have Thom Roberts on the road with us for so many miles, and so many memories. It certainly won't be the same; and, I know I speak for the entire band and crew when I say the light that he truly created, in our hearts, will never be extinguished or forgotten."
He ended his message with "tonight, I will look toward heaven and am sure I will see flashes of Thom's handiwork in the night sky-letting us know he is home, and all is well."
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