by Waverly, Tennessee — A small Tennessee community is reeling after authorities say a mother fatally shot her two young sons and her elderly grandmother before turning the gun on herself in a devastating act of violence that left four family members dead.
The tragedy unfolded Friday in Humphreys County, roughly 75 miles west of Nashville, prompting an outpouring of grief and disbelief from relatives and neighbors.
Welfare check leads to grim discovery
According to the Humphreys County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to a home on East Little Richland Road in Waverly for a welfare check.
When officers arrived, they discovered four deceased individuals inside the residence.
Sheriff Chris Davis confirmed the deaths during a press conference later that day.
Mother identified as shooter, authorities say
Investigators said preliminary findings indicate 32-year-old Heather Thompson shot and killed:
- Isaiah Thompson, 13
- Arius “Ari” Thompson, 4
- Evelyn Thompson, 88, her grandmother
After killing the three family members, Heather Thompson died by suicide, authorities said.
“I know the family,” Sheriff Davis said. “We’re going to do right by them. We’re going to respect them, and we’re going to do right by them.”
No motive disclosed as investigation continues
Sheriff Davis said investigators have not identified a motive for the killings at this stage. He did confirm that Heather Thompson was estranged from the boys’ father, but emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.
Officials also noted that deputies had never previously responded to the home for domestic violence or mental health-related incidents prior to Friday.
Father mourns sons in emotional messages
The boys’ father, Biah Thompson, shared heartbreaking messages following the tragedy.
Commenting on the sheriff’s office social media post, he wrote:
“I miss my sons already. Daddy still loves you. Sorry I was at work.”
In a separate Facebook post seeking help with funeral expenses, Thompson described receiving a phone call no parent should ever have to endure.
“As a father it hurt and shattered my soul to hear my sons, Arius (Ari) and Isaiah have been taken from me and are no longer with us,” he wrote. “They were just babies. Every second of today I wish I could just wake up.”
Community stunned by loss of three generations
Residents in and around Waverly expressed shock at the loss of three generations of the same family in a single incident. Authorities have not released details about what may have led up to the shooting, citing respect for the family and the ongoing investigation.
Heather Thompson was reportedly employed as a nurse practitioner at a local hospital, according to media reports, adding to the community’s disbelief.
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Authorities emphasize compassion and support
Law enforcement officials urged the public to approach the situation with empathy and reminded families facing overwhelming stress or mental health struggles that help is available.
While details remain limited, investigators said they are working carefully to piece together the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
A community left searching for answers
As Humphreys County mourns, the focus has shifted to supporting surviving family members and honoring the lives lost — especially the two young boys whose father described them simply as “just babies.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of violence or self-harm, help is available. Reach out to local crisis services or a trusted professional. Sharing concerns early can save lives.
