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A Tennessee woman was heard screaming, ‘he’s got a gun.’ Now her husband is pleading guilty to her murder.
By Danica Sauter at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 8, 2026
· 2 min read
BYRDSTOWN, Tenn. (WSMV) - A 72-year-old man in Pickett County entered a guilty plea to the second-degree murder of his wife Theresa Marie Foutch. Johnny Ray Foutch was sentenced to 20 years in custody of the Department of Corrections at 100% day for day, said District Attorney Bryant C. Dunaway. ...
Key takeaway Johnny Ray Foutch was sentenced to 20 years in custody of the Department of Corrections at 100% day for day, said District Attorney Bryant C.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The guilty plea of Johnny Ray Foutch to the second-degree murder of his wife Theresa Marie Foutch brings a sense of closure to the community of Byrdstown, but it also raises questions about domestic violence in rural areas. The fact that the Pickett County Sheriff's Office was alerted to the situation by Johnny's daughter, who requested a welfare check, highlights the importance of community vigilance in preventing such tragedies. The swift action of Chief Deputy Steve Wilbur, who secured the scene and apprehended Johnny, likely prevented further harm. As the community processes this incident, it will be crucial to examine the support systems in place for victims of domestic violence in rural Tennessee, where access to resources and services can be limited. The sentence of 20 years in custody, with 100% of the time to be served, reflects the severity of the crime, and the fact that Theresa's adult sons were supportive of the plea suggests a desire for justice and accountability.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? BYRDSTOWN, Tenn. (WSMV) - A 72-year-old man in Pickett County entered a guilty plea to the second-degree murder of his wife Theresa Marie Foutch. Johnny Ray Foutch was sentenced to 20 years in custody of the Department of Corrections at 100% day for day, said District Attorney Bryant C. Dunaway. ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Danica Sauter at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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