Beloved TV sports reporter and husband were found dead by their three-year-old son… as neighbors reveal ‘something wasn’t right’ between the couple

An Alabama sports reporter was found dead by her three-year-old son next to her husband after her worried family raised the alarm.

Christina Chambers, 38, and Johnny Rimes, 41, were found unresponsive with gunshot wounds in their Hoover home Tuesday morning.

A neighbor claimed Rimes’ father went to the couple’s $275,000 home to check on them when they didn’t show up for a church event that morning.

Neighbor Charles Maple said: ‘The child opened the door’ Peoplereferring to information allegedly obtained from the police. ‘Then they came back [inside] and they found the bodies.’

Police said the boy was inside the 2,158-square-foot home at the time of the fatal shooting but escaped unharmed.

The couple, who got married in 2021, has been living in their neighborhood for seven years. Maple claimed that they seemed happy, but “something went wrong” between them after the birth of their son.

The deaths of Chambers and Rimes are being investigated as murder-suicide. Police have not yet announced who pulled the trigger.

Tributes poured in for Chambers following the tragedy, with those who knew him sharing how he was a ‘wonderful reporter’, ‘an extraordinary colleague’ and the ‘ultimate ray of sunshine’.

Rimes’ father stopped by the couple’s home (pictured) to check on them and was greeted by their three-year-old son who answered the front door.

Maple said Chambers and Rimes appeared to be loving parents.

She noted that the beloved sportscaster never expressed concerns for her or her son’s safety, although she suspected something changed between them after their son was born.

“I was very surprised, but I don’t know why, I wasn’t very surprised,” he said of the tragedy.

The investigation into the deaths of Rimes and Chambers is ongoing. An autopsy will be performed to make a final decision about the cause and manner of their deaths.

A. GoFundMe It was established to support the couple’s three-year-old son.

Chambers has devoted much of his career to covering sports at college and local high school football games in Alabama and Georgia.

She studied communications at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and competed on the women’s track and field team.

Chambers joined Fox affiliate WRBC in November 2015.

After marrying Rimes, he started his new job as an educator at a local high school, where he mentored students on television and film. The Alabama Scholastic Press Association honored him as the 2024 Counselor of the Year.

A neighbor said Chambers and Rimes (pictured with their son) appeared to be loving parents

While the same neighbor claimed that Chambers and Rimes (pictured at their wedding) were in a happy relationship, she also claimed that ‘something was wrong’ between them after the birth of their son

Chambers continued to do occasional freelance reporting for WBRC, most recently appearing in the station’s coverage of the 2025 football season.

His former employer honored him in a statement earlier this week.

“We are deeply saddened 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, sense of humor and passion for sport left a lasting impression 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.

‘UAB was particularly proud of its ties to high school sports and community. ‘We are praying for Christina’s family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.’

Reporters at WRBC paid tearful tributes to their former colleagues during the afternoon news Dec. 16.

‘To know Christina was to know joy,’ said one former colleague.

Chambers devoted much of his career to covering sports at college and local high school football games in Alabama and Georgia

After marrying Rimes, he started his new job as an educator at a local high school, where he mentored students on television and film. Alabama Scholastic Press Association honors Chambers as 2024 Counselor of the Year

Her former cameraman Jeff Myers praised her ‘professionalism and dedication’ in a heartfelt Facebook post: ‘Working with Christina made the long hours more enjoyable and she was a vital part of our work family.

‘Her talent, kindness and commitment made her an outstanding colleague and her role as a mother was her greatest achievement.’

Myers added that Chambers ‘loved life, but he loved that little boy more than anything.’

PIX 11 sports anchor Simone Eli, who reported alongside Chambers from the sidelines for more than a decade, said she was “heartbroken by this tragedy.”

‘His love for others, his love for his son, his family, his love for running, for broadcasting, for Cullman, for UAB was evident. He is the embodiment of an extraordinary person and friend. He touched so many lives. Including mine,’ Eli wrote.

Alabama State Representative Chris Blackshear said working with Chambers was “really special.”

‘Christina didn’t just cover games, she told stories. “It celebrated hard work, character and the moments that don’t always stand out,” he said.

‘His faith was at the heart of everything he did; It guided how he treated people and how he showed up every day.’

Tributes poured in for Chambers following the tragedy, with those who knew him sharing how he was a ‘wonderful reporter’, ‘an extraordinary colleague’ and the ‘ultimate ray of sunshine’.

Blackshear added: ‘Being a mother was just as important to her; he cherished this role and often talked about it with a big smile. ‘There is no doubt that becoming a mother was her greatest achievement and the thing she was most proud of.’

Rachel Griff, who was one of the only girls to cover Auburn football with Chambers from 2010 to 2013, shared how “important” her friendship with the late reporter was in her 20s.

“Christina’s charisma, comedic wit, and genuine kindness were unmatched,” Griff wrote. ‘Christina was a great reporter, always very engaging and interested in everything she covered.’

‘The news of his death hurts everyone who knew him. “His beautiful son is only three years old and I hope he has vivid memories of his amazing mother that will last forever,” she concluded.

Rimes had been a financial analyst at American Case Iron Pipe Company for almost 14 years, according to her LinkedIn page.

He also studied at UAB and earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Financial Management Services.

• If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for 24-hour confidential support.