Randy Travis’s stagehand is ‘shot dead by his wife’. A renowned Nashville stagehand who worked for two decades with country music legend Randy Travis was reportedly shot dead by his wife, who told police she did it because he cheated on her.
Christine Roberts, 72, was arrested and charged with murder after allegedly shooting and killing her husband, Thomas Roberts, 68, at their home on Howard Avenue in Nashville, Tennessee.
The “gifted” lighting director Roberts was discovered on his front porch with a single gunshot wound to the chest. He died on the spot.
Officers from the East Precinct responded to the call at 8 p.m. Monday, and Christine allegedly admitted to shooting her husband for being unfaithful.
After his death, tributes poured in, including one from Travis.
‘Always prepared, with a ‘can do’ and ‘happy to do it’ mentality. He was a gentle giant of a man who 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 front porch with a gunshot wound to the chest. He died on the spot. He worked and was friends with Randy Travis.
“Not only did Thom have a magical sense of lighting up a stage, but he also had a quiet, charismatic presence that ignited your soul.
‘Always prepared, with a ‘can do’ and ‘happy to do it’ mentality. He was a gentle giant of a man who wore a constant smile on his face and carried a song in his heart.
“One would spend a lifetime searching for a kinder, gentler spirit. Thom was my friend and I loved him dearly.
“When we go out again next week for Randy Travis’ More Life tour, the music won’t be so sweet; but I will be reminded again of the blessing I have been 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 that the light he truly created in our hearts will never be extinguished or forgotten.
“Tonight I’ll look to the sky and I’m sure I’ll see flashes of Thom’s handiwork in the night sky—letting us know he’s home and all is well.”
Thom had also collaborated with stars Vince Gill and Olivia Newton-John over the years on the lighting on their sets.
As Randy Travis’s stagehand is ‘shot dead by his wife’, speaking of the ordeal, a neighbor told WKRN, “It sounded like it could have been fireworks and that’s what we thought it was, and then the police showed up with all the lights and everything and that’s when I saw him on the 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 know where to keep it in mind, really.”
Pictures posted on the couple’s social media showed their apparently happy life together.
Thomas often posted about enjoying concerts and cooking for his family.
Vice President Michael Golden of Bandit Lites, Inc. also paid tribute: ‘Thom was a talented lighting professional and, just as important, he was a humble, but extremely sincere man.
“I met Thom in the early 90s when I had the opportunity to work with him as a lighting supplier for Vince Gill, and I consider Thom one of the “old guard” who transformed the wild west of touring into a respected and professional career.
‘Thom worked for many artists and institutions in the city, but every time I heard his name it brought a smile to my face.
“This city and our music community will miss Thom, but we will all be better off for his reputation and the foundation he helped lay.”
