Tragedy Strikes Quiet Columbia Neighborhood: Two Dead, One Injured in Shocking Shooting Incident
Columbia, TN — What was once a peaceful Saturday afternoon in a serene Columbia neighborhood quickly turned into a nightmare when a sudden and violent shooting unfolded on May 31, 2025. Residents of the 3000 block of Somerset Lane were left stunned and fearful as gunfire erupted in what authorities are calling a horrific and seemingly random act of violence.
The Incident: Horror Unleashed in Broad Daylight
At approximately 3 p.m., Columbia Police received frantic calls reporting gunshots in the neighborhood. Upon arrival, officers encountered a chaotic and heartbreaking scene. Three people had been shot — two of them fatally.
According to arrest records and witness statements, the suspect, Byron Childers, was seen casually walking down the street armed with multiple firearms, including an AR-style rifle and a pistol, both equipped with suppressors.
Witnesses described Childers as seemingly detached from the world around him as he opened fire without warning.
Victim One: John Bidle
Childers’ first target was 46-year-old John Bidle, who was shot multiple times in the roadway. Witnesses recounted hearing Childers shout disturbing phrases such as “Demon from hell” and “It was safe now” as the shots rang out. Despite emergency efforts, Bidle was declared dead at the scene, leaving his family and friends devastated by the senseless loss.
Victim Two: Stacie Wright
As panic spread through the neighborhood, 51-year-old Stacie Wright responded to the commotion by opening her front door to investigate. Tragically, Childers turned his attention toward her and fired several rounds at the doorway. Wright was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center but succumbed to her injuries during surgery. Her husband, who witnessed the attack from inside the home, is now left to grapple with the unimaginable trauma of losing his wife in such a violent way.
Victim Three: Innocent Bystander
The shooting also affected an innocent bystander — an ice cream truck driver passing through the neighborhood at the time. The driver reported seeing Childers carrying the two firearms and was struck in the hip by gunfire. Multiple bullet holes were found on the side of his vehicle. Fortunately, he survived and was taken to Vanderbilt for treatment and is expected to recover.
Suspect in Custody, Charges Pending
Law enforcement officials swiftly apprehended Byron Childers following the shooting. He is currently in custody and faces multiple serious charges related to the shootings, including two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. The motivation behind Childers’ violent rampage remains unclear, and police have not disclosed any known connections between the suspect and the victims.
Community in Shock and Mourning
The tragic events on Somerset Lane have sent ripples of grief and fear throughout Columbia. Neighbors who once felt safe in their quiet community are now left questioning how such horror could occur so close to home.
Local officials have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims and urged the public to come together in support during this painful time. Counseling services and community meetings are being organized to help residents cope with the aftermath.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting. Police are examining Childers’ background, searching for possible motives, and reviewing surveillance footage and witness testimonies. The community anxiously awaits answers and hopes for justice to be served.