33 year old Randall Wayne Kirkpatrick, residing in Dyersburg, Tennessee, has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of his wife in Piedmont more than 10 years ago.

The death of 22 year old Deborah Lynn Smith Kirkpatrick was originally thought to have been a possible suicide. Her body was found inside the couple’s home on Ridgecrest Drive in Piedmont on June 3rd, 2003; she had died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head.

The couple’s 22 month old son was found in the home at the time, but was unharmed.

Randall Wayne Kirkpatrick left Piedmont shortly thereafter and the cause of his wife’s death was ruled inconclusive as to whether it was actually a case of suicide or murder.

Calhoun County Sheriff Larry Amerson said that the sheriff’s office Cold Case Unit continued to investigate the case – later determining that evidence at the scene was inconsistent with the story they were given at the time by the husband; the case was re-opened several months ago with new evidence leading to Kirkpatrick’s indictment.

Calhoun County District Attorney Brian McVeigh said that the additional evidence gathered has (quote) “assisted in providing a potential motive.” (end-quote) – but he refused to elaborate any further.

A court date for Kirkpatrick has yet-to-be set.

(al.com/www.al.com)