After nearly five years of investigation, authorities in Tennessee have charged Amanda Bishop and Eric Byrd with first-degree murder in the killing of Jacob Bishop, a member of the Tennessee National Guard. Jacob was found dead at his apartment in 2019, bound with zip ties and fatally shot. The sheriff’s office believes that a custody dispute involving the couple’s child led to the animosity that eventually resulted in Jacob’s murder. Byrd is Amanda’s cousin, and the two suspects were arrested this week with bonds set at $1 million each.
Jacob Bishop’s body was discovered by his mother who became concerned when he didn’t show up for work. She described her son as a “very good man” and expressed the trauma of finding him dead. The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Secret Service, and ATF. According to a former sheriff, the case was complex but had not gone cold and was still being actively pursued. Despite initially identifying around 400 possible suspects with ties to Jacob, Amanda Bishop was considered a top suspect from the beginning.
The sheriff attributed the arrests to good detective work and new technology, stating that Amanda Bishop was always at the top of the list of suspects. The custody dispute surrounding the couple’s child was a major factor in the case, although specific details about the dispute were not immediately available. Jacob Bishop had recently returned from a deployment to Poland before he was killed, adding to the tragedy of his death. The extensive investigation involved hundreds of possible suspects, and it was a relief to finally tell Jacob’s mother that two people were in custody for her son’s killing.
Amanda Bishop and Eric Byrd are facing first-degree murder charges in connection with Jacob Bishop’s death, bringing some closure to a case that had caused five years of heartache and worry for Jacob’s family. Despite the time that had passed since Jacob’s murder, investigators were able to make progress due to diligent detective work and advancements in technology. The involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels contributed to the breakthrough in the case. Authorities believe that the custody dispute between Amanda and Jacob played a significant role in the events that led to Jacob’s tragic death.
The arrests of Amanda Bishop and Eric Byrd mark a significant development in the case, bringing some measure of justice for Jacob Bishop and his family. The lengthy investigation and search for answers have finally resulted in those believed to be responsible being held accountable for their actions. Jacob’s mother expressed the trauma of finding her son dead and the impact it had on her, underscoring the profound loss experienced by Jacob’s loved ones. The resolution of the case provides some closure for those affected by Jacob’s murder and highlights the importance of perseverance and determination in seeking justice for victims of violent crimes.
