On New Year's Day of 2019, the community of Selmer, Tennessee, was shaken by the tragic death of 58-year-old Regina Morris Bryant. A Black/African American woman known for her active involvement in her church and community, Bryant was found deceased in her home from two gunshot wounds to her upper torso.
The events of that day unfolded into a heartbreaking case of murder-suicide perpetrated by her husband, Charles Anthony Bryant.
Authorities were alerted to the grim situation by a 911 call from Charles himself. In the call, he confessed to killing his wife and stated his intention to take his own life.
When officers from the Selmer Police Department arrived at the residence, they discovered Regina's body near the front door. Charles Bryant was found in a recliner in the living room, deceased from what was determined to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A handgun was found in his possession.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was called in to assist the local police with the investigation. The evidence at the scene, coupled with the chilling 911 call, led investigators to conclude that Charles Bryant had murdered his wife before taking his own life. As the sole suspect in Regina's murder was deceased, no arrests were made in the case. The bodies were sent to the West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center in Memphis for autopsies. The incident left the local community in shock, and a prayer and memorial service was held at Cypress Creek First Baptist Church to honor the memory of Regina Morris Bryant.
