Two people died and one other person was injured in a domestic-related shooting outside the Ficosa plant in Cookeville.
Cookeville Police officials said the incident happened at 10:35 a.m. Tuesday at the facility located just off Interstate 40.
Cookeville Police identified the victims as 35-year-old Rebecca Ann Louise Marion Crowley and 20-year-old Tyler Wayne Stults.
According to witnesses, Crowley and Stults were sitting in a car when 30-year-old Angelique Elizabeth Deplae approached the vehicle, opened the driver’s door and began firing a revolver. Deplae then apparently walked toward the front of the vehicle and took her own life.
On Wednesday, authorities confirmed Stults passed away Tuesday night just before 11 p.m.
Crowley was airlifted to Erlanger Health System in Chattanooga where she was initially listed as being in critical condition. Wednesday, officials said she was stable and expected to recover.
Police said Stults and Deplae had been in a prior domestic relationship.
Both victims worked at the plant; however, it's unclear if the alleged shooter was employed there, as well.
Police said the scene was secured and there was no danger to the public.
An estimated 200-300 employees work at the Ficosa plant. The company was the first to relocate to the New Highlands Business Park in Cookeville, where they manufacture rearview mirrors for vehicles.
Exexutive VP of Ficosa North America Fred Zicard released the following statement Tuesday afternoon:
“We were devastated to hear of the tragic event that occurred outside our facility in Cookeville today. The incident is currently under investigation and we’re cooperating fully with the local police department. The safety of our employees is our highest priority at all times and our thoughts and prayers are with those who are impacted by the tragedy.”
On Wednesday, The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network released a statement on the incident:
The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) wishes to express its condolences to the employees of the Ficosa plant in Cookeville, the site of an apparent murder-suicide incident yesterday morning. TSPN is currently joining forces with local mental health agencies and professionals to provide debriefing services to employees of the plant.
We commend the officers and staff of the Cookeville Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, and Putnam County Emergency Medical Services (PCEMS) who responded to the incident to secure the safety of the employees and the community at large. We also want to thank all the members of the surrounding community who have rallied around Ficosa during this difficult time.
When reporting on stories involving suicide, special care must be taken to assist viewers who may also be considering suicide or who know someone who is. All stories about suicide and suicide incidents should include the number of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK (8255)). This number is available 24/7 and will connect callers to trained counselors who can provide guidance and resources. For information about warning signs and other information about suicide, visit TSPN’s website.
“According to the Tennessee Department of Health, there were 1,065 deaths by suicide in our state in 2015,” said Scott Ridgway, TSPN Executive Director. “The public needs to be aware of the warning signs of suicide and how they can intervene to prevent suicide. In the meantime, we offer our condolences to the employees of the Ficosa plant, and we will be available in the days and months ahead to provide resources and other assistance as needed.”
