On January 17, 2015, Sharron Cantrell, 67, the principal of Spring Hill Elementary School in Columbia, Tennessee, was found dead just off the roadway near West 11th and Galloway Street after a family dispute turned violent. Investigators say the incident began when Sharron’s brother, 63-year-old Tom Caulk, opened fire and fatally wounded her. Caulk then shot at Sharron’s husband, 67-year-old Terry Cantrell. Terry Cantrell retrieved a handgun from his vehicle and returned fire, killing Caulk at the scene.

Columbia Police investigators reviewed witness statements and scene evidence and concluded that Terry Cantrell acted to defend himself after his wife was killed; no charges were filed against him. Sharron is remembered as a long-serving educator in Maury County whose death deeply affected the school community.

If anyone knew Sharron, her family, or witnessed events near West 11th and Galloway Street that afternoon, please share information.