Authorities in Rutherford County have been investigating after a couple died in what appeared to be a murder-suicide.
Officials with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office said the apparent domestic violence shooting happened inside a home on Annadel Court Wednesday night.
The couple’s two-year-old son was also inside the home.
Deputies said they found the bodies of 47-year-old Anthony Gaunichaux and his wife, 36-year-old Amanda.
“She appeared to be the victim of a fatal shooting,” lead Detective Angela Hall said. “The husband died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
Dispatchers got the 911 call just after 10 p.m. Wednesday.
“While dispatchers were on the phone, they heard shots fired over the phone,” Hall said.
Deputies who responded made contact with Anthony. He placed the couple’s son outside, and the deputies cared for him in a patrol car.
“Almost immediately, patrol deputies heard the sound of a gunshot, and deputies entered the home where they found the husband and wife both deceased,” Hall said. “The child was not physically harmed during the incident and is being cared for.”
Detectives said they commended the deputies for how they handled the situation.
“If you are in an abusive relationship, please seek help,” Hall said. “If you know someone who is involved in an abusive relationship, please encourage the person to seek help. Due to the cycle of domestic violence, abusive relationships rarely improve without professional help.”
Anyone in an abusive relationship can receive victim services through the Domestic Violence Center by calling 615-896-2012.
Amanda reportedly worked at Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital. President and CEO Fahad Tahir released the following statement:
“[Thursday] morning we received the tragic news that one of our Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital Heart Nurse Practitioners, Amanda Gaunichaux, was killed [Wednesday] night. We are shocked and saddened by this news, and our thoughts and prayers are with Amanda’s family. Amanda worked for Saint Thomas Health for almost eight years at Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital and in the Saint Thomas Heart practice. Amanda was a hard-working and compassionate nurse practitioner who will be greatly missed.”
