A 71-year-old Pickett County man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder following the shooting death of his wife. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has reported that Johnny Foutch is accused of killing his wife, Theresa Foutch, 72, in their Byrdstown residence yesterday evening.
Deputies were dispatched to the couple’s home on the 100 block of Eagle Crest Drive to perform a welfare check when a gunshot was heard as they approached the property. Inside, they discovered Theresa bearing a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene. According to WKRN, the authorities quickly identified Johnny Foutch, the victim's husband, as the responsible for the deadly incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation took over the investigation at the request of 13th Judicial District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway. TBI stated that, following the shooting, they arrested Foutch last night and charged him with a count of 1st Degree Murder. He is currently being held without bond in the Pickett County Jail.
WSMV, citing the TBI, detailed that Pickett County Sheriff’s Deputies had arrived at the residence to check on Theresa Foutch’s welfare before finding her wounded. Johnny Foutch has since been booked into Pickett County Jail with no bond. WSMV also noted that these charges are essential accusations of criminal conduct and not evidence, reminding that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
No further details regarding the motives or circumstances around the shooting have been made available at this time, as the investigation is ongoing.
