• What's Up Columbia!
  • Posts
  • Victims’ Families Share Emotional Testimony as Columbia Shooting Case Moves Forward

Victims’ Families Share Emotional Testimony as Columbia Shooting Case Moves Forward

Issue #473

June 21, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

⛈️ Columbia’s Weather - Partly cloudy, Scattered thunderstorms in afternoon w/ high of 92 & low of 73

📰 Victims’ Families Share Emotional Testimony as Columbia Shooting Case Moves Forward

📰 Columbia Police Department Swears in 14 New Officers

📰 6/25: 75th Anniversary of Korean War Tribute

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 Today’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Victims’ Families Share Emotional Testimony as Columbia Shooting Case Moves Forward

In a preliminary hearing held Thursday, a Maury County judge ruled that the case against Byron Childers will move forward to a grand jury. Childers is facing multiple charges in connection to the fatal shooting of two neighbors and the injury of a third person on May 31 in a Columbia neighborhood.

The court heard detailed testimony from law enforcement and family members of the victims. Among those who testified were an off-duty Metro Police officer who encountered Childers during the incident, as well as the spouses of the victims, John Bidle and Stacie Wright. Both offered emotional accounts of the events that unfolded that day.

While most charges remain in place, two charges connected to the third victim — who was not present at the hearing — were dismissed but could potentially be reintroduced later. The defense also requested a mental health evaluation for Childers.

The case now heads to a grand jury, which will determine whether to indict Childers on the current charges.

👉 To hear more from the families and see moments from inside the courtroom, watch the video above.
👉 You can also read the full Columbia Daily Herald report here for additional details.

Columbia Police Department Swears in 14 New Officers

From Columbia Police Department’s post on Wednesday… 

Yesterday we had the honor of having 14 new officers sworn in as Columbia Police Officers. These officers will be attending The Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy. Six of them will leave for the twelve-week academy this month and the remaining will attend the September class. Pictured are (left) City Manager Tony Massey, Assistant Chief Jeremy Haywood (right) Vice Mayor Randy McBroom and Chief Jeremy Alsup with all 14 of your newly sworn Columbia Police Officers. Congratulation's to them all!

6/25: 75th Anniversary of Korean War Tribute

On the 75th Anniversary of the Korean War, the Tenassee Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Maury County Veteran’s Office will pay tribute to those who served, fought and died on the Korean Peninsula.

At 10:00am on Wednesday, June 25th at the Memorial Building, located at 308 W. 7th Street in Columbia, all veterans, past, present or retired are welcome along with anyone who would like to join a grateful nation in remembering service and honoring those who fought.

A recognition award will be presented to Korean Veteran Dale Winston Riggs at the event.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Saturday, June 21st

Sunday, June 22nd

More events coming soon!

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Saturday, June 21st 

Barracuda, The Mulehouse, 8:00 PM
MFT, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
The Def Leprechaun Band, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Natalia X Reeves, Puckett’s, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Grass Kickers, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Mellie Koska, Buck & Board, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Ryan Keeler, Grazie! Italian Eatery, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Cross Bridges, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
York Road, The Boondox, 8pm
Zone Status, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Sunday, June 22nd

2 Bad Sons, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4:00 PM
Cliftones, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Todd Ciprian, Fizzy’s Bar & Grill, 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

Want to get your business in What’s Up Columbia? Let’s talk