COLUMBIA, Tenn. — A quiet Columbia neighborhood has been left stunned following a tragic double homicide that claimed the lives of two residents on the evening of Saturday, May 31.
According to the Columbia Police Department, officers responded to reports of a shooting with multiple victims shortly before 5 p.m. on Somerset Lane. Upon arrival, authorities discovered two individuals who had sustained gunshot wounds. The victims were later identified as 46-year-old John Bidle and 51-year-old Stacie Wright. Bidle was pronounced dead at the scene.
Court documents obtained by local news outlets state that the suspect, identified as Byron Childers, was seen walking down the street with a rifle before allegedly opening fire on Bidle. Investigators have not yet released a motive for the shooting.
Neighbors, still reeling from the shock, described the event as completely out of character for the area.
“This is a one-off occurrence — and a freak occurrence — that we hope to never see happen again,” said Lee Hudson, a longtime resident of the neighborhood.
The sudden loss of two community members has prompted an outpouring of support for the families affected. The Cremation Society of Tennessee is assisting the Bidle family with arrangements. In an obituary posted to the organization’s website, Bidle was remembered as “a generous neighbor and loyal friend” who loved his family and had a passion for restoring classic cars.
A memorial gathering for Bidle’s loved ones will be held at the UAW Local 1853 Hall at 125 Stephen P Yokich Parkway in Spring Hill. Community members seeking to support the family may donate to a verified GoFundMe campaign, or send cards, flowers, or plant a memorial tree in his honor.
As police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, the Columbia community remains united in grief—and in their resolve to support the victims’ families in the difficult days ahead.
