By Nika Shakhnazarova
A stagehand for country music superstar Randy Travis was shot dead over the weekend by his own wife, who believed he was having an affair, police have revealed.
Christine Roberts, 72, was arrested and charged with criminal homicide Sunday after she allegedly shot her husband Thomas Roberts, 68, on the porch of their Nashville, Tenn., home, police said.
When officers responded to the home, she told them she shot her husband “because he had cheated on her,” according to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.
Thomas Roberts, who had worked for the “Diggin’ Up Bones” hitmaker for over two decades, died from a single gunshot wound to his chest just after 8 p.m. Sunday.
A pistol was recovered from the scene, police said.
Christine’s bond has been set at $100,000.
The couple’s neighbors have since spoken out about the ordeal, with one person likening the shooting to a firework.
“It sounded like it could have been a firework and that’s what we thought it was, and then the police showed up with all the lights and everything and then I saw him on the front porch,” one local told WKRN.
The day after the shooting, neighbors and loved ones placed candles in front of Thomas’ photo on the sidewalk as people paid their respects.
One neighbor spoke to WKRN about the warm welcome she received from Thomas when she moved to the neighborhood in recent months.
“Just very welcoming and, you know, ‘Come on over when you’re settled and we’ll come on over to your place.’ So, just very sweet and wonderful,” she told the outlet.
Following news of his pal’s death, Travis, 64, rushed to social media to pay tribute to his longtime stagehand.
“The stage has gone dim with the passing of Thom Roberts. 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,” the country crooner wrote on Facebook Monday night.
“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. He was a gentle giant of a man that wore a constant smile on his face and carried a song in his heart,” he went on.
“One would search a lifetime to find a kinder, gentler spirit. Thom was my friend and I loved him dearly.”
Travis added, “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,” he added.