Springdale, Arkansas – A 44-year-old woman is facing a three-year prison term after pleading guilty to manslaughter for fatally shooting her 27-year-old son. Tabatha Lynn Pebler shot Brandon Chrisco in the chest last year during an argument over a stuck lawn mower. The incident occurred at their residence on Stonewood Road on May 31, 2023.
Originally charged with second-degree murder and employing a firearm in the commission of a felony, Pebler reached a plea deal with prosecutors, resulting in the dismissal of the additional charges.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, Pebler had called 911 and informed the dispatcher that she had shot her son. Deputies from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene and took Pebler into custody. During questioning, she revealed that while operating the riding mower, it had become stuck, prompting her to get her son. Chrisco to help her. Chrisco became upset, called her a name and pushed her off the mower.
Pebler alleged that she fired several warning shots in an attempt to scare him and deter his aggression. She then moved toward him and fired the fatal shot, claiming that her intention was to stop him, not to kill him. Chrisco sustained a gunshot wound to his upper left chest, causing the bullet to pass through his body. Multiple shell casings were found at the scene, corroborating Pebler’s statements.
Tabatha Lynn Pebler commenced her prison sentence on Monday.