In the quiet town of Jefferson, Iowa, a tragedy unfolded that left the community shaken. Richard Thompson, a 54-year-old White male, died on June 27, 2025, in what authorities have described as a violent domestic dispute. Known affectionately as "Papa" to his grandchildren, Richard was a proud long-haul truck driver by trade, but his heart was always with his family.
Originally from Leakey, Texas, Richard had made a home for himself in Jefferson, where he was a beloved presence in the lives of his grandchildren. He was a man who found joy in the simple things, like taking his grandchildren fishing and sharing his quiet wisdom with them. His life was one marked by a love for the open road, classic rock music, and above all, his family.
The events that led to his untimely death began to unfold on the evening of June 27th. Greene County Sheriff's deputies responded to a report of shots fired at a residence on M Avenue just before 7:30 p.m. Upon their arrival, they discovered Richard Thompson's body inside the home. He had sustained fatal bullet wounds.
Also present at the scene was his wife, 49-year-old Christene Thompson. She was taken into custody by law enforcement and has since been charged with first-degree murder in connection with her husband's death. According to court documents, Christene informed investigators that she and Richard had been arguing throughout the week. The situation escalated after she returned home from work that day to find Richard intoxicated, leading to another argument. She stated that Richard went into their bedroom and, after hearing him punching the walls, she retrieved a handgun from a gun safe and fired into the bedroom, fatally wounding him. Christene Thompson was arrested and booked into the Greene County Jail. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
