By Katie Northcott, News Director
On Sunday, March 8, police officers in Warren County discovered three dead in at 264 Greenwood Drive in McMinnville in what appeared to be a murder-suicide.
The deceased are Joseph Nicholas Shelton, Jr., Randi Jean Shelton, and their 8-year-old daughter. The investigation is ongoing, but there is no threat to the community.
Warren County Sheriff Jackie Matheny published the following press release on Monday, March 9.
The Warren County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a tragic domestic-related incident that occurred in Warren County, Tennessee.
At approximately 2:10 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2026, a Warren County deputy responded to a call requesting a welfare check at 264 Greenwood Drive. After arriving on the scene and conducting an initial assessment, additional officers were called to assist. Entry was then made into the residence, where officers discovered three (3) deceased individuals inside the home in what appears to be a murder-suicide.
Investigators from the Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene where it was determined that Joseph Nicholas Shelton, Jr. had shot and killed Randi Jean Shelton, and their 8-year-old daughter, before turning the gun on himself.
Although the investigation is ongoing, Sheriff Matheny wants to assure the public that there is no threat to the community.
Sheriff Matheny asks that the community keep the families affected by this tragedy in their thoughts and prayers. This heartbreaking situation has impacted multiple families, including children who will forever carry the weight of this loss. Our prayers are also with the law enforcement officers and first responders who answered this call and are now tasked with working through the painful details of such a devastating event.
Additional information will be released as it becomes appropriate to do so.
