Columbia, Tennessee Tragedy: Byron Childers Accused of Killing Two, Brutally Attacking a Third in Shocking Act of Violence
Columbia, TN – June 2025
The quiet community of Columbia, Tennessee, was rocked by a horrific act of violence that claimed the lives of two individuals and left a third badly injured. Authorities say 40-year-old Byron Childers is accused of fatally shooting John Bidle and Stacie Wright, and violently assaulting John’s wife, Amy Biddle, during a shocking and senseless outburst that has left residents stunned and grieving.
According to the Columbia Police Department, the deadly incident occurred late in the evening on [insert exact date if known], when officers were dispatched to a residence on the outskirts of Columbia following multiple reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers discovered a gruesome scene: the bodies of John Bidle and Stacie Wright, both deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.
Moments before officers arrived, Amy Biddle — wife of the slain John Bidle — had endured a violent and harrowing attack at the hands of Childers. Witnesses and police reports describe how she rushed to her husband’s aid after hearing gunshots, only to become the next target of Childers’ rage.
In a brutal escalation, Childers allegedly grabbed Amy and dragged her across the rough concrete, causing deep abrasions and bruising to her knees and elbows. The violence did not end there. In a chilling act, Childers is reported to have choked her, forcibly shoved a vape pen down her throat, and repeatedly punched her in the face, all before she was able to escape or be rescued.
Amy was later transported to a local hospital for treatment of her injuries. She remains physically stable, though deeply traumatized by the horrific sequence of events that unfolded before her eyes.
Suspect in Custody
Byron Childers was taken into custody shortly after the incident without further incident. Police have not yet released a motive, but say that Childers was known to the victims. Early indications suggest there may have been a personal dispute or ongoing conflict that exploded into fatal violence.
Childers now faces multiple felony charges, including two counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated assault. Additional charges related to domestic violence and attempted murder may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
A Town in Mourning
The murders have cast a dark shadow over Columbia, a tight-knit town in Maury County known for its historic charm and strong sense of community. Candlelight vigils are being organized by friends and neighbors of the victims, who are reeling from the unexpected and violent loss of two beloved individuals.
“John was a good man — a hard worker and a loving husband,” said Derek Allen, a close friend of the Bidle family. “And Stacie… she was kind, she was light. This is a nightmare, and we’re still trying to wake up.”
Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder released a statement offering condolences to the families and pledging full support for the police investigation. “Our hearts are broken for the families of John and Stacie,” he said. “This violence does not reflect who we are as a city, and we will work tirelessly to support those impacted and ensure justice is served.”
Community Response
Local advocates for domestic violence prevention and mental health awareness are also speaking out in the aftermath of the tragedy, urging community members to check in on one another and report signs of escalating violence before they turn deadly.
“This was not just a crime of passion or a tragic misunderstanding — this was targeted, brutal violence,” said Lisa Hammond of Safe Haven TN, a regional domestic violence support group. “The community needs to take these warning signs seriously and invest in resources to prevent future tragedies.”
Ongoing Investigation
Police have not ruled out the possibility that more individuals may have been involved or that there were additional witnesses to the events leading up to the shooting. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation.
“We are working with urgency and compassion to understand what happened here,” said Columbia Police Chief Jeremy Alsup. “We owe it to the victims, their families, and the entire community to pursue justice with everything we have.”
As Columbia grieves, Amy Biddle begins a painful journey toward physical and emotional healing. With the support of family and friends, she now carries not only the weight of her own survival but the unbearable loss of her husband and friend.