TRIPLE SHOOTING OVERNIGHT IN DEKALB COUNTY, TENNESSEE LEAVES TWO DEAD, ONE INJURED
DeKalb County, TN (October 16, 2025) — A quiet evening in the Austin Bottom community of DeKalb County turned tragic on Wednesday night as authorities responded to a triple shooting that left two people dead and another critically injured.
According to DeKalb County Sheriff Patrick Ray, deputies were dispatched to a residence on Vickers Ridge Road in the Austin Bottom area at approximately 7:32 PM on October 15 after receiving a report of gunfire. Upon arrival, deputies discovered two males and one female who had been shot.
Tragically, one male and the female victim were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities are being withheld at this time, pending notification of their families.
The third individual, another male, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted by helicopter to an undisclosed hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment. His condition has not been publicly disclosed.
Sheriff Ray confirmed that multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, Putnam County EMS, DeKalb EMS, and members of the District Attorney General’s Office. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has taken the lead in the ongoing investigation.
“At approximately 7:32 PM on Wednesday night, October 15, 2025, deputies were dispatched to Vickers Ridge Road, Baxter, which is in the Austin Bottom area of DeKalb County, for a shooting. When Deputies arrived on the scene, they found two males and a female who were shot. One male and the female were pronounced dead on the scene,” said Sheriff Ray in an official statement.
Details surrounding the circumstances of the shooting, including any potential motives, the relationship between the individuals involved, and whether a suspect has been identified or apprehended, have not yet been released by authorities.
The TBI is currently leading the investigation, and forensic teams were seen working late into the night to process the scene. Investigators are expected to conduct interviews with any potential witnesses and collect evidence as they piece together the events that led to the deadly incident.
The community of Austin Bottom, a typically quiet and rural area near the Putnam County line, is now grappling with the aftermath of this violence. Neighbors expressed shock and sorrow, with some saying they never expected such a tragic event to occur in their close-knit area.
As the investigation continues, local officials are urging anyone with information that may assist investigators to come forward. Tips can be submitted to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office or directly to the TBI.
This story is developing. More details will be released as they become available.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of the victims during this incredibly difficult time.
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