Thursday 28th March 2024
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Three Dead After Day-Long Paris Standoff

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By Shannon McFarlin News Director

Paris, Tenn.–Three people are dead after a day-long standoff in Paris today.

Henry County Sheriff Monte Belew said Bobby Mercer killed two people before turning the gun on himself and said the sheriff office’s hearts go out to the victims’ families. “It was a terrible tragedy. Three lives lost.”

Belew said the sheriff’s office responded to Indoor Comfort and Heating at 9060 Hwy. 79N at 9 a.m. and on arrival found that Mercer had come armed to the business, entering by the rear exit and walked to the front door where he found his wife, Amanda Mercer, and two employees standing outside.

Belew said Mercer shot multiple rounds, killing his wife and killing an employee Cindy Townsend as she was calling 911.

Upon arrival, law enforcement established a perimeter around the scene and worked all day with the Tennessee Highway Patrol tactical team, the FBI, Secret Service, Paris PD Fast Team, TBI and the 24th Judicial District.  The THP helicopter landed at the scene before noon.

After hours of negotiation with Belew and the THP negotiators with no success, officers attempted entry into the building, finally sending tear gas inside at which point it was determined that Mercer was deceased with a self-inflicted shotgun wound.

Belew thanked all of the law enforcement agencies at the scene all day and said he was thankful that no officers were hurt during the hours-long standoff.

Danny Tucker guides THP helicopter to scene. (Shannon McFarlin photo).

Sheriff Belew, Chief Deputy Lowe, Captain Adam Jenkins and Danny Tucker outside the entrance at Indoor Comfort. (HCSO photo).

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