Wife and her cousin accused of killing Army National Guard soldier found shot and zip-tied in 2019

LENOIR CITY, Tenn. (TCN) -- Authorities recently arrested a woman and her cousin on suspicion of fatally shooting the woman’s husband, a soldier.

According to the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office, on Oct. 1, 2019, deputies responded to a home on Shaw Ferry Road, where they found 35-year-old Jacob Bishop deceased. Officials suspected foul play and determined Bishop was the victim of a homicide.

Deputies said they found Bishop, a Tennessee Army National Guard soldier, with multiple gunshot wounds, and he was bound by zip ties.

Bishop’s death investigation remained unsolved for years until recently, when the sheriff’s announced they arrested Bishop’s wife, 39-year-old Amanda Bishop, and her cousin, 39-year-old Eric Byrd, on Aug. 13. Deputies said they were able to identify the suspects through "advancements in technology and new evidence."

According to the sheriff’s office, before the victim’s death, Amanda Bishop and her husband were going through a "heated" custody battle that "sparked animosity between the two."

Bishop and Byrd were booked into the Loudon County Detention Center on charges of first-degree murder with bonds set of $1 million each.

Loudon County Sheriff Jimmy Davis said, "Today’s arrests mark a crucial step toward justice for Jacob Bishop and his family. This case has remained a top priority for our office, and I commend the relentless efforts of our detectives and partner agencies who have worked tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice."