When Wilson County deputies responded to a report of a verbal fight on Wednesday, it quickly became clear the call was much more serious.
"While dispatch was on the line, they could hear shots being fired," said Lt. Scott Moore. "When deputies arrived we found a female laying on the ground."
Thomas Earl Adams had shot his wife, Jessica Adams, in the front yard of a friends' home. The couple's two young children were inside at the time.
Husband, Wife Dead After Argument Over Birthday Party Turns Violent
Thomas ran into nearby woods with the gun. He was later found dead from a self inflicted gunshot. The tragedy marked the sixth murder suicide to happen in Tennessee in less than 30 days.
"It's unfortunate because this is something we're seeing several times every day," Moore said.
Violent relationships are often defined by a controlling abuser, verbal attacks, and even physical beatings. Victims often feel afraid to seek help. But Moore said if more strangers speak up about the smallest sign of abuse, it could help save lives.
"If you're a bystander and you see something like that going on, it could be just vulgar language from one to another, report it to us," Moore said. "At least let us check it out."
If you're experiencing domestic violence you can call the national domestic violence hotline for help and resources. That number is 1-800-799-7233.
