UPDATE: WARREN COUNTY, Tenn. (WGNS) — Family, friends and members of the Warren County community gathered this past weekend to remember a mother and daughter who were found dead inside a McMinnville home earlier this month in what authorities say was a domestic-related murder-suicide.
A celebration of life service was held for 39-year-old Randi Jean Hutchings and her 8-year-old daughter, Thea Jane Shelton, roughly a week after their deaths shocked the community. The loss continues to bring tears to those who knew the local mother, who worked at a locally owned business in Warren County. Warren County Apparel, Hutchings’ employer, shared on social media, “She and Thea were both sweet souls. They were greatly loved and will forever remain in our hearts.”
According to investigators, the victims were found on Sunday, March 8, 2026, when a deputy with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office responded to a welfare check at a home on Greenwood Drive in McMinnville. The call came in around 2:10 p.m., prompting an initial response that quickly escalated when additional officers were requested to assist.
Authorities entered the residence and discovered three people deceased inside the home. Investigators later determined that 41-year-old Joseph Nicholas Shelton Jr. allegedly shot and killed Hutchings and their young daughter before taking his own life.
Officials have described the case as a domestic-related incident, and while the investigation remains ongoing, authorities say there is no threat to the public.
Sheriff Jackie D. Matheny Jr. addressed the tragedy in a public statement, emphasizing the emotional toll the case has had on the community.
“This heartbreaking situation has impacted multiple families, including children who will forever carry the weight of this loss,” Matheny said. “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.”
Hutchings is survived by several siblings living in Tennessee and Kansas, as well as two additional children whose names are not being released.
As the investigation continues, community members are mourning the loss of the mother and daughter, whose lives were remembered during the weekend service as loved ones gathered to honor their memory.
The home where the incident occurred is listed in property records as being owned by Shelton since 2019. Authorities say additional information will be released as it becomes appropriate.
