Hendersonville resident Brett Thaler was recognized recently by the city of Hendersonville for helping to subdue a man who police say shot to death two of Thaler’s neighbors in the Mansker Farms subdivision.
Hendersonville resident Brett Thaler was recognized recently by the city of Hendersonville for helping to subdue a man who police say shot to death two of Thaler’s neighbors in the Mansker Farms subdivision.
A Hendersonville man who rushed to subdue a man who police say fatally shot two women in August was recently recognized by the city for his heroic actions.
Mansker Farms resident Brett Thaler was presented an award for bravery by HPD Commander Larry Daniels during the city’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting on Oct. 25.
“Without regard for his own personal safety he intervened to stop a violent subject who had already shot two people,” said Daniels. “He subdued the subject and held him until police arrived and his selfless actions undoubtedly prevented further injuries to others in the community.”
An emotional Thaler thanked city leaders for the recognition.
“I know there were two people lost that day… and I just hope that everybody can please keep their families in your thoughts and prayers,” he said. “At the end of the day, all you can really do is just try to be a good husband, a good role model to your children, and a good citizen.”
Lloyd Thomas Martin, Jr., 72, was indicted by a Sumner County grand jury in October for two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Laura Undis, 60 and Virginia Sheen, 67. He is also charged with attempted first-degree murder for pointing his gun at Sheen’s husband, Michael and aggravated assault for actions against Thaler.
Hendersonville police responded to a home on Cavalier Drive in the Mansker Farms subdivision at around 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 29, according to police affidavit. There they found the bodies of Undis and Virginia Sheen with gunshot wounds in Sheen’s front yard. Both women were taken to Hendersonville Medical Center where they succumbed to their injuries.
When officers arrived, Martin, Jr., was being detained by a neighbor, according to the affidavit.
Interviews with eyewitnesses revealed that Undis was seen running from her home towards Sheen’s home screaming, “he’s trying to kill me, he’s got a gun.” Eyewitnesses said a man, later identified as Martin, was following Undis and caught up to her in Sheen’s yard where he was seen grabbing her by her hair. Sheen was seen in the front yard pleading with Martin, Jr., who then fired two shots at her.
Martin then put the firearm to Undis’ head and fired a shot, according to witnesses.
Interviews with neighbors revealed a failed relationship between Undis and Martin that ended in her being harassed and stalked by him, according to the affidavit.
Martin waived his Miranda Rights and told police he went to Undis’ house with a revolver and entered through the back door. He said he walked upstairs and tried to talk to her. When Undis ran out of the home, he followed her outside.
According to the affidavit, Martin admitted to the shootings, and told police his original plan was to kill Undis and then kill himself.
Martin was arraigned in Sumner County Criminal Court on Oct. 21. He has been declared indigent and Gallatin attorney Randy Lucas has been appointed to represent him. He remains in the Sumner County Jail on a $2 million bond. His next court date is set for Jan. 26, 2023.
