Topline: Investigators allege the woman fatally shot her husband while he slept, wounded her adult son, and then drove onto Interstate 155, where she collided head-on with a tractor-trailer.
Published: December 23, 2025 1:00 pm ET
Must Read
Stock photo
MEMPHIS, TN — A Dyer County woman accused of killing her husband, critically wounding her son, and then crashing head-on into a semi-truck in what authorities described as an apparent suicide attempt has died from her injuries.
The incident unfolded early Thursday morning near Lenox, Tennessee. According to the sheriff’s office, 60-year-old Sherry Darlene Lydon is suspected of fatally shooting her husband, William John Lydon Jr., 60, while he was sleeping.
Deputies said she then shot her 24-year-old son, leaving him critically injured. The son was transported to a hospital, where he remains in critical condition, according to WATN-TV.
After the shooting, investigators said Lydon left the residence in a Dodge Charger and drove onto Interstate 155. According to the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office, she collided head-on with an 18-wheeler — described by authorities as “an apparent attempt to commit suicide.”
The driver of the truck was not injured, deputies told WREG.
Lydon suffered critical injuries and was taken to a hospital, where she later died, according to FOX13 Memphis.
In a statement, the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office described the case as “a deeply disturbing situation,” FOX13 Memphis reported. Authorities said both the shooting scene and the crash scene were secured as part of the ongoing investigation and that there was no continuing threat to the public.
Investigators said preliminary findings indicate Lydon had recently undergone surgery, including the removal of a tumor, and had been “reportedly experiencing night terrors, anxiety and sleep disturbances,” according to the sheriff’s office. “These factors are being considered as we continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding this tragic event,” the DCSO said in a statement.
Sheriff Jeff Box emphasized the toll the incident has taken on the community. “This is an incredibly tragic situation that has affected our community deeply,” Box said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lydon family during this difficult time, and we ask for your continued patience as we navigate this investigation.”
Box also urged residents to look out for one another, particularly when it comes to mental health concerns. “Like always, I encourage everyone to look out for each other, watch out for your neighbors and if you see something strange report it and again if it’s something with mental health or something like that if you know somebody or got a family member like that and there not getting treatment, check on them, help them follow up on things like this,” he said.
Authorities said the investigation remains in its early stages and that details could change as more information becomes available. Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office at 731-285-2802.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7, or use online chat services. If you are outside the U.S., local resources are available through international crisis hotlines.
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
What Led This Woman to Allegedly Kill Her Husband, Shoot Her Son, and Crash Into a Semi?
Investigators allege the woman fatally shot her husband while he slept, wounded her adult son, and then drove onto Interstate 155, where she collided head-on with a tractor-trailer.
By Jacob Charles
Published: December 23, 2025 1:00 pm ET
Stock photo
MEMPHIS, TN — A Dyer County woman accused of killing her husband, critically wounding her son, and then crashing head-on into a semi-truck in what authorities described as an apparent suicide attempt has died from her injuries.
The incident unfolded early Thursday morning near Lenox, Tennessee. According to the sheriff’s office, 60-year-old Sherry Darlene Lydon is suspected of fatally shooting her husband, William John Lydon Jr., 60, while he was sleeping.
Deputies said she then shot her 24-year-old son, leaving him critically injured. The son was transported to a hospital, where he remains in critical condition, according to WATN-TV.
After the shooting, investigators said Lydon left the residence in a Dodge Charger and drove onto Interstate 155. According to the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office, she collided head-on with an 18-wheeler — described by authorities as “an apparent attempt to commit suicide.”
The driver of the truck was not injured, deputies told WREG.
Lydon suffered critical injuries and was taken to a hospital, where she later died, according to FOX13 Memphis.
In a statement, the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office described the case as “a deeply disturbing situation,” FOX13 Memphis reported. Authorities said both the shooting scene and the crash scene were secured as part of the ongoing investigation and that there was no continuing threat to the public.
Investigators said preliminary findings indicate Lydon had recently undergone surgery, including the removal of a tumor, and had been “reportedly experiencing night terrors, anxiety and sleep disturbances,” according to the sheriff’s office. “These factors are being considered as we continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding this tragic event,” the DCSO said in a statement.
Sheriff Jeff Box emphasized the toll the incident has taken on the community. “This is an incredibly tragic situation that has affected our community deeply,” Box said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lydon family during this difficult time, and we ask for your continued patience as we navigate this investigation.”
Box also urged residents to look out for one another, particularly when it comes to mental health concerns. “Like always, I encourage everyone to look out for each other, watch out for your neighbors and if you see something strange report it and again if it’s something with mental health or something like that if you know somebody or got a family member like that and there not getting treatment, check on them, help them follow up on things like this,” he said.
Authorities said the investigation remains in its early stages and that details could change as more information becomes available. Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office at 731-285-2802.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
What Led This Woman to Allegedly Kill Her Husband, Shoot Her Son, and Crash Into a Semi?
Investigators allege the woman fatally shot her husband while he slept, wounded her adult son, and then drove onto Interstate 155, where she collided head-on with a tractor-trailer.
By Jacob Charles
Published: December 23, 2025 1:00 pm ET
Stock photo
MEMPHIS, TN — A Dyer County woman accused of killing her husband, critically wounding her son, and then crashing head-on into a semi-truck in what authorities described as an apparent suicide attempt has died from her injuries.
The incident unfolded early Thursday morning near Lenox, Tennessee. According to the sheriff’s office, 60-year-old Sherry Darlene Lydon is suspected of fatally shooting her husband, William John Lydon Jr., 60, while he was sleeping.
Deputies said she then shot her 24-year-old son, leaving him critically injured. The son was transported to a hospital, where he remains in critical condition, according to WATN-TV.
After the shooting, investigators said Lydon left the residence in a Dodge Charger and drove onto Interstate 155. According to the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office, she collided head-on with an 18-wheeler — described by authorities as “an apparent attempt to commit suicide.”
The driver of the truck was not injured, deputies told WREG.
Lydon suffered critical injuries and was taken to a hospital, where she later died, according to FOX13 Memphis.
In a statement, the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office described the case as “a deeply disturbing situation,” FOX13 Memphis reported. Authorities said both the shooting scene and the crash scene were secured as part of the ongoing investigation and that there was no continuing threat to the public.
Investigators said preliminary findings indicate Lydon had recently undergone surgery, including the removal of a tumor, and had been “reportedly experiencing night terrors, anxiety and sleep disturbances,” according to the sheriff’s office. “These factors are being considered as we continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding this tragic event,” the DCSO said in a statement.
Sheriff Jeff Box emphasized the toll the incident has taken on the community. “This is an incredibly tragic situation that has affected our community deeply,” Box said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lydon family during this difficult time, and we ask for your continued patience as we navigate this investigation.”
Box also urged residents to look out for one another, particularly when it comes to mental health concerns. “Like always, I encourage everyone to look out for each other, watch out for your neighbors and if you see something strange report it and again if it’s something with mental health or something like that if you know somebody or got a family member like that and there not getting treatment, check on them, help them follow up on things like this,” he said.
Authorities said the investigation remains in its early stages and that details could change as more information becomes available. Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office at 731-285-2802.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
