A stagehand of Randy Travis was allegedly shot dead by his wife over the weekend. Christine Roberts, 72, believed her husband, 68-year-old Thomas Roberts, was having an affair, according to police. She reportedly shot him dead on the porch of their home in Nashville, Tennessee.
Neighbors at first thought the sound of the gun was fireworks. “It sounded like it could have been a firework and that’s what we thought it was," a local explained of the situation. "And then the police showed up with all the lights and everything and then I saw him on the front porch."
When police arrived, they found Thom with a single gunshot wound to the chest. He died just after 8 p.m. on Sunday.
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Christine told authorities she had shot her husband because he had cheated on her. A pistol was recovered from the crime scene.
A day after the shooting, people gathered to pay their respects. Neighbors and loved ones of Thom placed candles in front of his photo on the sidewalk.
Christine was arrested and her bail was set at $100,000. She was charged with criminal homicide.
Randy took to social media to pay tribute. "The stage has gone dim with the passing of Thom Roberts," his post started off. "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."
"Thom not only had a magical sense about lighting a stage; but, he had a quiet, charismatic presence that ignited your soul. Always willing, with a ‘can do’ and ‘happy to do it’ attitude," Randy continued. "He was a gentle giant of a man that wore a constant smile on his face and carried a song in his heart. One would search a lifetime to find a kinder, gentler spirit. Thom was my friend and I loved him dearly."
He concluded the post, "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. 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."
