PUTNAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) – Two Putnam County men died Tuesday night after an argument broke out during a birthday party, leading to what authorities described as a “murder-suicide.”

According to officials, members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Baxter Police Department responded to reports of a shooting along Walnut Road in the western part of the county around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5. November.

Officers said they discovered Randall Eldridge, 63, and Bobby Andrew “Andy” Phy, 56, who were dead and apparently suffering from gunshot wounds.

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Upon further investigation, authorities discovered that friends and family were gathering at the home for an 80th birthday party. During the event, witnesses said Eldridge and Phy argued in the driveway before Phy pulled out a gun. , shoot Eldridge and then turn around and shoot himself.

While the investigation is still ongoing, the sheriff’s office reported that there has been a long-standing dispute between Phy and Eldridge dating back at least 10 years.

According to authorities, both bodies were sent to the Tennessee medical examiner’s office for autopsies.

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“The family and family members celebrating the 80th birthday party are highly respected and honored citizens in our community,” said Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris. “This is certainly a sad tragedy for this family and unfortunate that this incident occurred.”

No additional details have been released about Tuesday’s deadly incident.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a prevention network of 161 crisis centers that provides a toll-free 24/7 hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. If you or someone you know needs help now, Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

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