Jackson, TN: Wife called police weeks before shooting

Couple in murder-suicide were divorcing

BY MARIANN MARTIN
MMARTIN10@JACKSONSUN.COM
— Mariann Martin, 425-9782
HENDERSON — A woman killed by her husband on Saturday had called law enforcement twice in recent weeks because of domestic problems, and the couple was in the process of getting a divorce, officials said Monday.

Elizabeth Carlene Wilson, 42, and Colin Dibnah, 56, were found dead in their home in the 700 block of Lott Road in Chester County. Dibnah shot his wife and then himself, Sheriff Blair Weaver said Monday.

Neighbors who live near the couple's blue frame home said they did not hear or see anything until the couple's 6-year-old son knocked on a door and said he couldn't get back inside his house because the door was locked. The couple also had a 13-year-old daughter who had spent the night elsewhere.

Authorities responded to the call around 8:15 a.m. Saturday but waited several hours to enter the home to ensure it was safe. Weaver said Monday the investigation into the incident has been completed.

About five weeks ago, sheriff's deputies responded to a domestic call at the home, Weaver said. When deputies arrived, the couple had been having an argument.

"It was nothing physical," Weaver said. No one was arrested or charged in the incident.

About a week later, Wilson called the Sheriff's Department again, but she did not request for deputies to go to the home the second time, Weaver said.

According to state law, law enforcement officers are supposed to arrest a person who has committed domestic abuse when they respond to a domestic call unless there is a clear and compelling reason not to arrest someone. The law regarding domestic violence defines domestic abuse as physical injury or fear of physical harm. The definition also includes harm to pets or belongings.

Weaver said authorities were told the couple was getting a divorce.

The family moved to Chester County from California about 16 months ago, he said.

Weaver declined to comment on who is caring for the children.

"They are being well taken care of," he said.

Neighbors who lived near the family described them as great neighbors who were friendly and helpful.