John Martin Bidle, a 46-year-old male, was a man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He had a passion for classic cars, especially Chevy Camaros, and spent countless hours restoring them. An avid outdoorsman, he found peace in hunting, fishing, and camping. He was a licensed pilot who loved the freedom of the open sky. Known for his kindness and generosity, his neighbors affectionately called him a 'big teddy bear.'
At the center of his world were his wife, Amy, and their daughter, Melanie.
The quiet Saturday afternoon of May 31, 2025, in their Columbia, Tennessee neighborhood was shattered by an unthinkable act of violence. Around 3 p.m., a neighbor, Byron Childers, armed with a rifle, confronted John Bidle. Without warning, Childers opened fire, shooting Bidle multiple times. As Bidle lay wounded, Childers reportedly stood over him, shouting, 'Demon from hell,' and then spat on his body. John Bidle died at the scene.
The rampage did not end there. Stacie Wright, a 51-year-old neighbor who came outside to investigate the commotion, was also shot and killed. A third person, an ice cream truck driver, was wounded but survived. In the aftermath of the shooting, Childers was taken into custody by the Columbia Police Department. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder.
During a preliminary hearing, Amy Bidle recounted the horrific events of that day. She described Childers as a family friend with whom they would often chat about his boat. She testified that after shooting her husband, Childers turned to her and said, 'it's all going to be okay that we're going to own all of this.' In a jailhouse interview, Childers expressed remorse, stating, 'I'm horribly sorry and that that was not me,' but offered no explanation for his actions. A mental health evaluation was ordered for Childers as he remains in jail without bond.
