Tragedy in DeKalb County: Two Dead, One Critically Injured in Austin Bottom Triple Shooting

DeKalb County, TN (October 16, 2025) — A peaceful evening in the small, close-knit Austin Bottom community of DeKalb County was shattered late Wednesday night when a tragic triple shooting claimed the lives of two individuals and left a third person critically injured. The incident, which unfolded around dusk, has left residents in shock and grief as investigators work to piece together what led to the deadly violence.

According to initial reports from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, deputies were dispatched to the scene after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire in the quiet rural neighborhood. Upon arrival, authorities discovered three victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite efforts by first responders and emergency medical personnel, two of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while the third was transported by air ambulance to a nearby trauma center in critical condition.

The identities of the victims have not yet been publicly released pending family notifications. Law enforcement officials confirmed that they are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether the suspect was among the deceased or remains at large. Investigators spent the night combing through the area, interviewing witnesses, and collecting evidence as they sought to determine a motive.

Sheriff’s deputies and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) agents remained on scene well into the early morning hours Thursday, marking off the perimeter of a residential property and nearby roadway. The tragedy has shaken this rural community, where violent crime is rare and neighbors often describe one another as “like family.”

Local residents expressed heartbreak and disbelief as news of the shooting spread. “You just don’t expect something like this to happen here,” said one Austin Bottom resident. “We’re a small community. Everyone knows everyone. It’s hard to believe that something so violent could touch our town.”

Authorities have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward, emphasizing that community cooperation will be essential to the investigation. “This is a devastating situation for everyone involved,” a spokesperson for the sheriff’s department said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this senseless act of violence.”

As word of the tragedy continues to circulate, the community is rallying to support the victims’ families, offering prayers, meals, and assistance as they grapple with unimaginable loss. Local churches have announced plans to hold prayer vigils in the coming days to honor the deceased and to pray for the recovery of the surviving victim.

This devastating event serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike, even in the most peaceful corners of Tennessee. As the investigation continues, authorities are calling for patience and compassion while they seek answers and justice for those whose lives were cut short.

The investigation remains ongoing, and more details are expected to be released as the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and TBI continue their work.

Our thoughts remain with the victims, their loved ones, and the entire Austin Bottom community as they navigate this heartbreaking time.