Randy Travis Grieves Stagehand Allegedly Shot By Wife Over Cheating Claims

Randy Travis is grieving the loss of his former lighting director, Thomas Roberts, who was allegedly shot and killed by his wife, who told authorities her husband was cheating on her.

Metro Nashville Police Department Homicide Unit detectives charged Christine Ann Roberts, 72, with criminal homicide following the incident, according to an MNPD press release that posted on Tuesday (July 11). Authorities confirmed that Thomas Roberts, 68, died of s single gunshot wound to the chest on the front porch of the couple’s Nashville home on Monday (July 10). Responding officers noted that Christine Roberts “said that she shot her husband because he had cheated on her,” the release states. “A pistol was recovered.”

“The stage has gone dim with the passing of Thom Roberts,” reads a statement on Travis’ Facebook page. “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,” the country legend continued. “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. …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.”

Christine Roberts’ bond is set at $100,000, according to MNPD.