Residents shocked by murder suspect taking own life in their neighborhood

CHESTER COUNTY, Tenn. — A chase through multiple counties ends in Chester County Thursday morning with a man taking his life after authorities say he murdered his wife.

The District Attorney’s office says the couple was Johntate and Camille Thompson.

An ambulance left Sand Road Thursday morning followed by a tow truck carrying a silver Nissan car. It’s where Chester County Sheriff Blair Weaver said a chase ended after John Tate murdered Camille in Bolivar.

Residents weren’t able to get to their homes.

“My neighbor was on his way home from work,” resident Jack Lunsford said. “He got stopped up there, and they wouldn’t let him down to his wife’s house, and she was hysterical.”

Tire marks in the dirt and pieces of glass show where the chase ended — where a log crossing over a driveway blocked the suspect’s way. That’s when he turned the gun and shot himself.

Lunsford’s house backs up to Chickasaw State Park, and he said he and his neighbors aren’t used to this type of activity.

“It’s kind of upsetting because it’s like a little Mayberry back in here,” Lunsford said. “It’s all peaceful and quiet and we’re just all laid back, and nothing like that ever goes on in this area, and it’s sort of shocked us.”

The TBI said they’re assisting the Chester County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation.