Two people are dead as a result of murder-suicide in Putnam County. According to a press release, on Tuesday (November 5, 2024) around 8pm, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Baxter Police Department responded to reports of a shooting on Walnut Road, in the western part of Putnam County. Deputies discovered Randall Eldridge, age 63, and Bobby Andrew (Andy) Phy, age 56, both deceased. Each had apparent gunshot wounds. Both Eldridge and Phy were from Putnam County.
Upon further investigation Deputies discovered that friends and family members were gathered at the residence for an 80th birthday party. During the birthday party, witnesses said there was an argument that broke out between Phy and Eldridge that occurred outside of the residence in the driveway area. During the argument, Phy produced a handgun from his person and shot Eldridge resulting in immediate death. Witnesses at the party said that Phy then turned and shot himself, resulting in his death.
The investigation is still ongoing; however, Investigators have discovered that there has been a long-standing feud between Phy and Eldridge going back at least 10 years.
Both bodies have been sent to the Tennessee Medical Examiner’s office for autopsies.
Sheriff Farris said, “The family and family members having the 80th birthday party are highly respected and upstanding citizens in our community. This is certainly a sad tragedy for this family and unfortunate that this incident occurred.”