NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: A well-known stagehand in Nashville who spent two decades working with country music icon Randy Travis was allegedly shot dead by his wife, who claimed to police she did it because he was cheating on her. Thomas Roberts, 68, was reportedly shot and killed inside his wife Christine Roberts' residence on Howard Avenue in Nashville, Tennessee, leading to her arrest and criminal murder charges.

Roberts, who was the lighting designer for 'Gifted', was discovered wounded in the chest, lying on his porch. He died on the spot. His death has attracted a multitude of tributes, including one from Travis. The musician wrote, "Always willing, with a 'can do' and 'happy to do it' attitude. He was a gentle giant of a man that wore a constant smile on his face and carried a song in his heart."

Who was Thomas Roberts?

Thomas had a gift for stage lighting and traveled to work on sets across the country. He was a member and support staff of Randy Travis' band. One of the top stage lighting experts in the industry, he was on the road quite often, working various gigs for reputed artists. Thomas has shared images from his time working as a stagehand and lighting director for various singers on his social media accounts. Thomas, who formerly worked with Vince Gill, shared images of Olivia Newton-John performing live at several venues while on tour. Furthermore, Thomas also shared a picture of Travis, claiming that the two had collaborated for 20 years until the celebrity's stroke in 2013, as reported by Daily Mail.

Thomas Robert's murder

Officers from the East Precinct responded to the call at 8 o'clock on Sunday, and Christine reportedly admitted to shooting her husband as retaliation for his infidelity. There was no other information provided on the shooting or the purported affair. On July 11, a firearm was discovered at the site, according to the police. A $100,000 bail has been posted for her.

Pictures shared on the couple's social media accounts highlighted their ostensibly blissful marriage. Thomas frequently talked about attending concerts and preparing meals for his family. On Christmas Eve, the pair shared a selfie of themselves on a Nashville rooftop, seeming content with each other. In recent months, they have posted a number of pictures on their Facebook profiles, in which both appeared to enjoy each other's presence, as reported by WKRN.