Tennessee Guardsman Shot in Custody Dispute

After a nearly five-year investigation, authorities in Loudon County, Tennessee, have charged Amanda Bishop, 39, and Eric Byrd, 39, with first-degree murder in the death of Jacob Bishop, a National Guard member. Jacob Bishop was found dead in his apartment on October 1, 2019, bound with zip ties and shot multiple times. The investigation revealed that a custody dispute involving the couple’s child was a significant factor leading to the animosity that culminated in the murder. Jacob Bishop had recently returned from a deployment in Poland when he was killed. His mother discovered his body after he failed to show up for work, prompting her to check on him. She described her son as a "very good man" but acknowledged that he was not without flaws. The case, initially deemed complex, involved extensive collaboration among various law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Loudon County Sheriff Jimmy Davis credited the arrests to diligent detective work and advancements in technology. He expressed relief at being able to inform Jacob Bishop's mother, Diane, that progress had been made in the case. While he acknowledged that true closure may be elusive, Davis emphasized the importance of delivering justice to the grieving family. The arrests mark a significant development in a case that had generated considerable concern and speculation over the years, as authorities worked tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.