Mysterious explosion kills former lawyer in rural Tennessee

Tennessee and federal officials are investigating an explosion that killed a former lawyer and injured a woman after a package sent to his rural home exploded.

In a televised news conference on Tuesday, officials including Wilson County Sheriff Robert Bryan said they were offering an $8,000 reward for information about the blast, which occurred about 8 p.m. Monday near Lebanon, Tenn.

“We are in preliminary stages in this investigation,” Bryan said. “There is limited information we can give.”

“We have been here all night since yesterday, running leads,” said Mark Gwyn, director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. “We’ll be here night and day” until the case is solved.

According to Bryan, the explosion was related to a package at the home.

Jon Setzer, 74, was killed, and Marion Setzer, 72, was injured. She was transported by medical helicopter to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she was listed in critical condition, the sheriff said. The couple’s relationship is part of the investigation, he said.

Officials said they believe the package was delivered to the Setzers, who were the targets of the attack. But officials warned the public to remain vigilant.

“We’re asking the general public if anyone receives any type of package with suspicious circumstances, please contact their local law enforcement jurisdiction,” Bryan said.

“Any time you have an explosion like this, it’s a bizarre case,” Bryan said.

The scene of the explosion is not far from McClain Christian Academy. The principal of the school told reporters the blast was so strong that she thought someone had backed into the school building.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, the state fire marshal’s office and the Wilson County Emergency Management Agency are among those investigating.

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