Shelby Rae Williams, a 34-year-old female, passed away on July 20, 2025. She was a loving wife and a mother to four children. Described as the glue that held her family together, she was known for her patient and caring nature. Her life was tragically cut short in a shooting incident that occurred at a residence on Triple Oak Street in Rockford, Tennessee.
On that Sunday afternoon, deputies from the Blount County Sheriff's Office responded to a call about a female victim who had been shot. Upon their arrival at approximately 2 p.m., they discovered Williams unresponsive. First responders performed CPR until she could be transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, but she was pronounced dead upon arrival. An autopsy was scheduled to be performed at the Knox County Regional Forensic Center.
The investigation into the shooting led to the arrest of Charles Anthony Scott, a 48-year-old man from Tunnel Hill, Georgia. Investigators determined that Scott had been negligent with a firearm. According to arrest warrants, Scott was in the process of cleaning a loaded handgun when the incident occurred. He reportedly removed the magazine, cleared a live round from the chamber, and then put the round back in the magazine. Subsequently, he reinserted the loaded magazine into the weapon and, while cleaning it, pointed it in Williams' direction. The gun discharged, striking her in the chest. It was also revealed that Scott was a previously convicted felon and was not legally permitted to possess a firearm.
Charles Anthony Scott was taken into custody and is facing charges of reckless homicide and unlawful possession of a firearm. He was being held at the Blount County Correctional Facility on a total bond of $500,000. A hearing in the Blount County General Sessions Court was scheduled for the Monday following the incident. The investigation into the death of Shelby Williams is ongoing.
