Country music star Randy Travis’ stagehand, 68, is ‘shot dead by his wife, 72, on their porch as she claims to cops he cheated on her’: ‘Gifted’ lighting director also worked for Olivia Newton-John
- Lighting director Thomas Roberts, 68, was found lying on his porch with a gunshot wound to his chest. His wife was arrested for his murder
- Beloved country singer Randy Travis, 64, wrote an emotional statement following the death of his friend Thomas
- Thomas’ wife, Christine Roberts, 72, was charged with criminal homicide and her bond was set at $100,000
A renowned Nashville stagehand who worked with country music legend Randy Travis for two decades was allegedly shot dead by his wife – who told police she did it because he was cheating on her.
Christine Roberts, 72, was arrested and charged with criminal homicide for allegedly shooting and killing her husband Thomas Roberts, 68, at their home on Howard Avenue in Nashville, Tennessee.
‘Gifted’ lighting director Roberts was found lying on his porch with a single gunshot wound to his chest. He died at the scene.
Tributes poured in after his death, including from Travis.
‘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,’ the country music legend noted.
‘Gifted’ lighting director Thomas Roberts (right) was found lying on his porch with a gunshot wound to his chest. He died at the scene. He used to work and was friends with Randy Travis
Christine Roberts, 72, was arrested and charged with criminal homicide for allegedly shooting and killing her husband
East Precinct officers responded to the call at 8pm Sunday- and Christine allegedly admitted that she shot her husband because he had been unfaithful.
No further details were released about the shooting or the alleged affair.
Police confirmed that a pistol was recovered from the scene on July 11.
Her bond has been set at $100,000.
Photos posted on the couple’s social media showed their seemingly happy life together. Thomas often posted about enjoying concerts and cooking for his family.
The couple posted a photo on Christmas Eve where they both seemed happy on a rooftop in Nashville. The couple shared various photos on their Facebook accounts in recent months, where both seemed to enjoy each other’s company.
East Precinct officers responded to the call at 8pm Sunday- and Christine allegedly said that she shot her husband because he had cheated on her
Police at the scene on Howard Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee following the fatal shooting
Thomas and Christine pictured together in a photo posted to Facebook on Christmas Eve
Thomas had also posted on his social media account photos from his work as a lighting director and stagehand for various musicians.
He worked for Vince Gill at one point, and Thomas posted pictures of Olivia Newton-John in concert at numerous locations during one of her tours.
Thomas had also posted a photo with Travis saying the two worked together for 20 years until the star had a stroke in 2013.
Travis, 64, wrote an emotional statement on social media following the death of his friend.
He said: ‘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.
‘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.
‘One would search a lifetime to find a kinder, gentler spirit. Thom was my friend and I loved him dearly.
‘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.’
The Nashville property where Thomas was found with a singular fatal gunshot wound to the chest
Photos posted on the couple’s social media showed their seemingly happy life together
Christine and Thomas Roberts are pictured together
Roberts was a talented lighting director who worked for the stars and spent two decades working with Randy Travis
On Monday, a picture and candle were placed outside the couple’s Nashville home.
Speaking about the shooting, one neighbor told WKRN: ‘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.
‘It’s such a dichotomy based on how sweet and wonderful everything is and then this happens, it’s like shocking.
‘I don’t even really know where to put it in my mind, I really don’t.’
Bandit Lites, Inc. Vice President Michael Golden, also paid tribute: ‘Thom was a talented lighting professional and just as importantly he was a humble, yet extremely genuine man.
‘I got to know Thom in the early 90s when I had the opportunity to work with him as the supplier of lighting for Vince Gill, and I consider Thom one of the “old guard” that transformed the wild west of touring into a respected and professional career.
‘Thom worked for many artists and institutions around the city, but anytime I ever heard his name a smile would cross my face.
‘This city and our music community will miss Thom, but we will all be better because of his reputation and the foundation he helped build.’
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