In the early morning hours of August 2, 2021, the quiet community of New Market, Tennessee, was disturbed by a tragic event that claimed the life of 49-year-old Vanessa West. Deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office responded to a call regarding a shooting at a residence on Shields Ridge Road at approximately 1:34 a.m. Upon their arrival, they discovered a grim scene.
Inside the home, both Vanessa West and a male individual, identified as 58-year-old Paul West, were found
deceased from gunshot wounds. Initial investigations by the Sheriff's Office pointed towards a murder-suicide. Authorities suggested that one of the two individuals was responsible for the shooting.
Vanessa Lynn Garrett West was a dedicated registered nurse of 25 years. Remembered as a caring wife, mother, daughter, and sister, she was known for her love of the color pink, her Jeep, and butterflies. She and her husband, Paul, were married in Las Vegas in November 1990 and had one son. The family shared a passion for travel, having explored 48 states, most of Canada, and parts of Mexico together. The investigation into the specific circumstances of the murder-suicide has not led to any outside suspects or arrests, with the case being contained to the two deceased individuals.
