Tragedy struck in Alabama as a sports journalist and her husband were discovered dead by their toddler, after relatives became worried about their absence.
On Tuesday morning, authorities found Christina Chambers, aged 38, and Johnny Rimes, aged 41, lifeless with gunshot wounds in their Hoover residence.
According to a neighbor, Rimes’s father visited the couple’s $275,000 home after they did not show up for a scheduled church event that day.
“The child answered the door,” shared neighbor Charles Maple with People, referencing information purportedly from law enforcement. “They then went back inside and discovered the bodies.”
Police confirmed that the couple’s three-year-old son was present during the tragic incident but was not harmed.
Having lived in the area for seven years, Chambers and Rimes tied the knot in 2021. Maple mentioned they seemed content, but suggested something felt off in their relationship following their son’s birth.
Chambers and Rimes’s deaths are being investigated as a murder-suicide. Police have not yet said who pulled the trigger.
In wake of the tragedy, tributes have poured in for Chambers, hailing her as a ‘fantastic reporter,’ ‘exceptional colleague’ and the ‘ultimate ray of sunshine’.
Christina Chambers, 38, and her husband Johnny Rimes, 41, (pictured together on their wedding day in 2021) were both found unresponsive with gunshot wounds at their home in Hoover, Alabama on Tuesday morning
Rimes’s father stopped by the couple’s home (pictured) to check on them and was greeted by their three-year-old son, who opened the front door
Maple said that Chambers and Rimes both appeared to be loving parents.
Although he suspected something had changed between them after their son was born, he noted that the beloved sports reporter never expressed concern for her safety – or that of her son.
‘I was so shocked but for some reason, I don’t know why, I wasn’t totally surprised,’ he said of tragedy.
The investigation into the deaths of Rimes and Chambers is ongoing.
Chambers dedicated most of her career to covering sports at collegiate and local high school football games across Alabama and Georgia.
She studied communications at the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) and competed on the women’s track and field team.
Chambers joined Fox affiliate WRBC in November 2015.
After her marriage to Rimes, she began her new job as an educator at a local high school where she advised students on TV and film. The Alabama Scholastic Press Association honored her as the 2024 Advisor of the Year.
Chambers and Rimes (pictured with their son) appeared to be loving parents, a neighbor said
That same neighbor, claiming Chambers and Rimes (pictured at their wedding) appeared to have a happy relationship, also alleged that ‘something wasn’t right’ between them after the birth of their son
Chambers continued to do occasional freelance reporting for WBRC and was most recently involved in the station’s coverage of the 2025 football season.
Her former employer honored her in a statement earlier this week.
‘We are heartbroken to confirm the death of former WBRC reporter Christina Chambers,’ the TV station wrote.
‘Christina was a valued member of our newsroom and a beloved colleague whose warmth, humor, and passion for sports left a lasting impact on everyone who worked with her.
‘Christina was an accomplished journalist and athlete who brought energy, professionalism, and genuine care to her work,’ the statement continued.
‘She was especially proud of her ties to UAB, high school sports, and her community. We are praying for Christina’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.’
Reporters at WRBC gave a tearful tribute to their former colleague on the December 16 afternoon news.
‘Knowing Christina was knowing joy,’ said one of her former coworkers.
Chambers dedicated most of her career to covering sports at collegiate and local high school football games across Alabama and Georgia
After her marriage to Rimes, she began her new job as an educator at a local high school where she advised students on TV and film. The Alabama Scholastic Press Association honored Chambers as the 2024 Advisor of the Year
PIX 11 sports anchor Simone Eli, who reported on the sidelines alongside Chambers for over a decade, said her ‘heart hurts over this tragedy.’
‘Her love for others, her love for her son, her family, her love for running, broadcast, Cullman, UAB — was palpable. She is the embodiment of a remarkable human being and friend. She has touched so, so many lives. Including mine,’ Eli wrote.
According to a LinkedIn page, Rimes was a financial analyst at the American Case Iron Pipe Company for almost 14 years.
He also studied at UAB, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance and Financial Management Services.
- If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for 24-hour, confidential support.
