A former stagehand for country star Randy Travis was allegedly shot dead Sunday after believing his wife was having an affair, police said.
Police arrested Christine Ann Roberts, 72, on suspicion of shooting her husband, Thomas Roberts, 68, in the chest at around 8 p.m. on the front porch of her home on Howard Street in Nashville. According to the Nashville Police Department.
Officers at the scene said Christine Roberts “voluntarily said she shot her because her husband was cheating on her,” according to the arrest affidavit.
A neighbor who allegedly heard the gunshot found Thomas Roberts lying on his patio and called 911, according to the arrest affidavit.
The arrest affidavit states that a neighbor “reported that the defendant told detectives that she admitted to shooting her husband because she had discovered he was having an affair.”
According to her arrest affidavit, Christine Roberts made no statement to police about her self-defence.
An affidavit of arrest stated that Thomas Roberts was pronounced dead at the scene.
A rep for Travis confirmed to NBC News that Thomas Roberts had worked with Travis as a stagehand for nearly 20 years before Travis suffered a stroke in 2013.
The Grammy-winning singer paid tribute to Thomas Roberts, aka Tom. Facebook post Monday night.
“The stage went dark with the death of Tom Roberts,” the post said, calling him “one of the finest stage lighting technicians in the industry.”
“Not only did Tom have a sense of magic that lit the stage, but he had a quiet, charismatic presence that lit the soul,” the post said.
“He was a gentle giant who always had a smile on his face and a song in his heart.” “One would search a lifetime to find a kinder, gentler spirit. Tom was a friend of mine and I loved him dearly.”
Travis said when the band resumed shows, “The music won’t be so sweet, but we have the blessings given that Tom Roberts has traveled miles and miles with us.” I will remember it again,” he said. memory. ”
A Facebook post read, “It’s certainly not the same as before. And when I say that the light he truly created in our hearts will never be extinguished or forgotten, I endorse the band and the entire crew.” I know I speak for them,” it said.
“Tonight I look to heaven. I’m sure we’ll see flashes of Tom’s handiwork in the night sky to let us know he’s home and all is well.” concluded.
Jason Chaffin, an attorney for Christine Roberts at the Metropolitan District Attorney’s Office, said he had not yet met with his client as of Tuesday morning and plans to meet later in the day. He declined to comment further.
Court records show her bail has been set at $100,000 and she is due to appear in court on Wednesday.
