The quiet stretch of East Little Richland Road in Humphreys County turned into a place of deep sorrow on Friday morning. Deputies arriving for a routine welfare check walked into a scene that would shake the Waverly community to its core. Inside the home, four family members were found dead. Investigators say the case appears to be a murder-suicide.
The Humphreys County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two adults and two children were discovered inside the residence. Sheriff Chris Davis said there is no danger to the public and stressed that the incident appears isolated. Even so, the shock of what happened has spread far beyond the front door of the home.
Authorities identified the woman as Heather Thompson. Investigators say she died from what was determined to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A firearm was found near her body. Inside the same home were her two sons, Arius “Ari” Thompson, 5, and Isaiah Thompson, 13, along with her 83-year-old mother. All were pronounced dead at the scene.
The children’s father, Biah Thompson, lives in New Mexico and shared custody with Heather. In a raw and emotional message shared publicly, he described a pain no parent should ever know. He said losing his sons shattered him completely and that every moment since has felt unreal. He plans to bring the boys back to New Mexico for their funeral once arrangements are finalized.
As investigators worked through the home, more details emerged about Heather Thompson’s life. She had a military and security background and was known for discipline and dedication. She graduated from the U.S. Army Quartermaster School at Fort Lee in 2011. She later worked with Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union 572 and previously served as an Armed Security Captain with the Tennessee Valley Authority. Friends and colleagues say the tragedy is hard to understand given the strong and driven person they knew.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is assisting local deputies as they piece together what led to the deaths. The scene remained active for hours, with investigators taking their time to document evidence and understand the timeline. Officials have not released additional details about the circumstances, saying the investigation is ongoing.
Sheriff Davis again urged the public to stay away from the area as investigators continue their work. He also reminded the community that there is no ongoing threat. Still, that reassurance does little to ease the grief now felt across Humphreys County.
In Waverly, the loss of three generations from one family has left neighbors searching for words. Homes nearby sat quietly as news spread, and many residents said they are holding the surviving family members close in their thoughts. For now, the community waits for answers, mourning lives lost far too soon.
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