The son of sports reporter Christina Chambers led his grandfather to the dead bodies of his parents after they were killed at their home in Hoover, Alabama
A TV star’s orphaned son led his grandfather to the dead bodies of his parents. Sports reporter Christina Chambers, 38, and her husband, Johnny Rimes Jr, 41, were found dead with gunshot wounds at their home in Hoover, Alabama.
Local police believe their deaths were a murder-suicide. But their son, three, managed to escape the tragedy unharmed. Now, reports claim that their son led his grandfather to the dead bodies of his parents.
Johnny’s father had arrived at the family home to check on them after they failed to make an appearance at a local church event, according to neighbours. The three-year-old was the person who answered the door.
Johnny and Christina’s neighbour, Charles Maple, told People Magazine: “The child answered the door.” He claimed that local police officers informed him of this heartbreaking revelation. Maple added: “And then they went back [into the home] and they found the bodies.
“It is heartbreaking.” The couple moved into the area around seven years ago and often appeared to be happy and were both loving parents. However, Mr Maple claims that after the birth of their son, he felt as though things hadn’t been sitting right for Johnny and Christina.
He said: “I just felt something wasn’t right.” However, he never had any worries about the safety of the little one and Christina never voiced any concerns for her own safety. “I was so shocked but for some reason, I don’t know why, I wasn’t totally surprised,” he said of seeing the police at the house following their deaths.
Police were called to the pair’s home at 9am on Tuesday morning after the relative made the tragic discovery. Confirming Christina and Johnny died from gunshot wounds, the Hoover Police Department said: “Hoover Fire-Medics responded to the residence and pronounced a male and a female deceased from gunshot wounds.
“Although the investigation is in its early stages, it appears these deaths are the result of a murder/suicide, and there is no threat to the public related to this case.” Local news station WBRC, where Christina worked for a decade, paid tribute to the presenter.
In a statement to ABC 33.40, they said: “We are heartbroken to confirm the death of former WBRC reporter Christina Chambers. Christina was a valued member of our newsroom and a beloved colleague whose warmth, humour, and passion for sports left a lasting impact on everyone who worked with her.
“Christina was an accomplished journalist and athlete who brought energy, professionalism, and genuine care to her work,” the statement continued. “She was especially proud of her ties to UAB [University of Alabama Birmingham], high school sports, and her community. We are praying for Christina’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
Colleagues also paid tribute during a news bulletin on Tuesday. One former co-worker of Christina said: “Knowing Christina was knowing joy.” She joined WBRC, an affiliate of Fox News, in November 2015, focusing on sports at college and local high school football games across Alabama and Georgia.
After marrying Johnny, she started work as an educator at a local school, advising children on TV and film. But she also continued her journalism career as a freelancer. The investigation into their deaths is ongoing.
*If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch.
If you have been affected by this story, Cruse Bereavement Support offers free help to make sense of how you are feeling. Click here for their website or call 0808 808 1677.
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