A 32-year-old nurse practitioner in Tennessee fatally shot her two young sons and 88-year-old grandmother before taking her own life in a tragic quadruple murder-suicide, authorities said.
Deputies with the Humphreys County Sheriff’s Office discovered four bodies inside a home in Waverly during a welfare check on January 2.
The victims all suffered fatal gunshot wounds and were identified as Arius Thompson, four, Isaiah Johnson, 13, and Evelyn Johnson, 88. The boys’ mother has been named as 32-year-old Heather Thompson.
Authorities found preliminary evidence that suggests that Heather may have been responsible for killing her sons and grandmother before dying by suicide.
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis was emotional as he addressed the incident, noting that he knew the family and that they had lived in Waverly their entire lives.
Referring to an explosion that had recently occurred in the county, killing 16 people, Davis said: ‘Here again, small town America. Here again, I know the families.
‘So, we’re going to do right by them. We’re going to respect them. We’re going to do right by them.’
The Sheriff said that he was unaware of any call history at the home, but added that they are following up with the school system and other state agencies as part of the investigation.
The state’s Bureau of Investigation is assisting the sheriff’s office on the case, according to WSMV.
Authorities in Waverly, Tennessee believe that Heather Thompson, 32, killed her children and grandmother before dying by suicide herself
Arius Thompson, four, and Isaiah Johnson, 13, were found dead along with Heather Thompson’s grandma Evelyn Johnson, 88
Heather worked at Ascension Saint Thomas Three Rivers Hospital in Waverly as a nurse after receiving her master’s degree from Walden University, according to public records.
Authorities said no evidence pointed to any others being involved and have not released a motive at this time.
Jeremiah [Biah] Thompson, the children’s father, who was estranged from their mother, wrote online: ‘I miss my sons already. Daddy still loves you. Sorry, I was at work.’
In addition, the grieving father set up a GoFundMe in an effort to help with funeral services and bring his sons to New Mexico, where he lives.
At this time, the fundraiser has raised nearly $11,000, not far from its $16,000 goal.
Biah wrote online about that devastating morning he found out about the tragedy: ‘As a father, it hurt and shattered my soul to hear my sons Arius(Ari), and Isaiah have been taken from me and are no longer with us.’
![Jeremiah [Biah] Thompson was devastated by the news of his sons passing and set up a GoFundMe in an effort to help for funeral services](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2026/01/04/19/105222055-15433585-image-a-12_1767555546821.jpg)
Jeremiah [Biah] Thompson was devastated by the news of his sons passing and set up a GoFundMe in an effort to help for funeral services
The family was found at their home in Waverly on January 2 after officials went to the home for welfare check
‘They were just babies. Every second of today, I wish I could just wake up.’
The devastated father posted an update yesterday, thanking everyone for their support, and noted that he and his sister were headed to Tennessee to bring his boys back.
The dad noted that despite it being hard for him to ask for help, he was appreciative of the support and added he was doing ok.
Hundreds online showed support for the grieving father: ‘Brother, I am so sorry. Stay strong and know you are not alone. I’ll keep your boys, you, and your family in prayer. I know it’s been a long time, but if you need someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to reach out.’
Another wrote: ‘Biah, I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you and your family. Sending love and prayers.’
A third added: ‘I’m so sorry, Biah, this absolutely shattered my heart. No parent should ever have to bury their children. My thoughts and prayers are with you.’
On October 10, 2025, Accurate Energetic Systems, an explosives factory that sits on the border of Humphreys and Hickman counties, detonated more than 24,000 pounds of explosives, killing over a dozen people.
The explosion was equivalent to a 1.6 magnitude earthquake, according to data from the US Geological Survey.
The cause of the blast remains unknown, according to a press release from the Humphreys County and Hickman County Emergency Management Agencies.
The Accurate Energetic Systems manufacturing plant is approximately 18 miles from where the murder suicide of Heather Thompson’s family took place.
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