A birthday party in Putnam County turned tragic Tuesday night when a long-standing feud between two men turned deadly, with the sheriff’s office saying deputies responded to a reported shooting on Walnut Road around 8 p.m. on November 5.
The officials identified the victims as 63-year-old Randall Eldridge and 56-year-old Bobby Andrew Andy Phy. The two men died from fatal gunshot wounds. According to eyewitnesses, the two men had a decade-long feud.
They began arguing in the driveway of the home where a 80th birthday party was being held for a family member. During the argument, Phy allegedly produced a handgun, shot Eldridge fatally, and then turned the weapon on himself.
The incident has left the family and the community in general devastated. Sheriff Eddie Farris condoled the family while giving his sentiments on how the family hosting the party is highly regarded. “This is a tragic event for a respected family in our community, and we are deeply saddened that such an incident occurred,” Farris said.
The bodies have been sent to the Tennessee Medical Examiner’s office for autopsy. No further information has been released since the case remains under investigation.
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