RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - The July 2020 murder of Erick Bixler, affectionately known as Maverick by friends, will soon make a progressive turn as two Kentucky residents, Chris White, 33, and Christopher Robinson, 41, go before the local courts. Bixler, a 45-year-old U.S. Veteran, was found murdered at his residence on Asbury Lane in Murfreesboro.

The investigation, conducted by the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, revealed that Bixler was the apparent victim of a targeted murder. Early-on in the investigation, Lieutenant Todd Sparks stated, "We don't feel like this was a random situation," indicating a deliberate act against the victim. During the initial stages of the investigation 3-years ago, Criminal Investigation Division Captain Britt Reed clarified, "We don't feel like this act has any connection with anyone in the neighborhood."

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s forensic scientists were called to the scene in 2020 to assist with the initial processing of the crime scene, underlining the gravity and complexity of the case.

Both suspects, Chris White from Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and Christopher Robinson from Cerulean, Kentucky, face a slew of charges, including First-Degree Murder, Especially Aggravated Kidnapping, Especially Aggravated Robbery, and Aggravated Burglary.

The significant development in the case is the upcoming Jury Trial scheduled for April 1, 2024, in the courtroom of Rutherford County Judge Barry Tidwell. The trial will play a crucial role in determining the culpability of White and Robinson in the heinous crime that took the life of Erick Bixler.

The community remains vigilant as they await justice for Maverick, the U.S. Veteran whose life was tragically cut short. The trial will ensure that those responsible for the murder are held accountable for their actions. The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office continues to lead the investigation, seeking justice for the victim and his grieving loved ones.

DISCLAIMER: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The arrest records or information about an arrest that are published or reported on NewsRadio WGNS and www.WGNSradio.com are not an indication of guilt or evidence that an actual crime has been committed.