(NewsReady.com) – Randy Travis is one of the most popular country singers in the world. During his career, he’s seen dozens of his songs hit the Billboard Chart. Eventually, he moved away from traditional country to more Christian country music. Decades later, he’s still in the business. Sadly, he recently suffered the loss of a friend in a very violent way.
On July 11, the Nashville Police Department issued a press release announcing the arrest of 72-year-old Christine Ann Roberts. According to authorities, the woman fatally shot her husband at about 8 p.m. local time. She reportedly told police officers she shot her spouse, 68-year-old Thomas Roberts, because she believed he was cheating on her. He suffered an injury to his chest, and emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
The deceased victim was a former stagehand for Travis. A representative for the singer confirmed that Roberts worked for him for roughly 20 years until 2013 when Travis suffered a stroke.
Travis took to social media to memorialize his friend when he heard the news. The singer said his crew members shared “winding roads and the beautiful venues” with Roberts, who was an incredible lighting technician. He said the victim was “a quiet, charismatic presence” who was always willing to help and had a positive attitude. Travis went on to say Roberts was his “friend” and he “loved him dearly.”
In addition to working with Travis, Roberts also worked for the late actress and singer Olivia Newton-John. When she passed away last year, he said he was never one of her fans when she was at her most popular but had the honor of working with her during her last tour. During that time, he came to regard her as “one of the sweetest, most generous, and kindest artists” he’d ever worked for.
Thomas’ wife is being held on a $100,000 bond.
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