From Tragedy to Triumph: What I Learned Watching Rutherford County’s Finest Bring Riley Home

This was a story from January 2022 that I had written. Sadly my site was hacked. Ive updated the article.

When Synchronicity Leads to Service: A Legislator’s Reflection on Law Enforcement’s Compassion

We’ve all experienced strange coincidences that seem to happen for a reason—often to guide us toward helping others. Swiss psychologist Carl Jung called this “synchronicity”: meaningful events in our external world that lack obvious cause.

Why do these coincidences occur? Many believe they’re messages from a higher power, offering direction and guidance. As a Christian believer—I deeply share this belief.

On a January morning in 2022, I received an unexpected call from a Rutherford County law enforcement officer who wanted to remain anonymous (though he may now be willing to speak publicly). I wondered: “Why would this detective call me? Maybe there’s a reason I’m meant to witness what’s unfolding?”

The irony wasn’t lost on me. The issues at the heart of his call—childhood trauma, domestic violence, addiction, school counseling needs, mental health support, and recruiting quality police and correctional officers—are the areas I hope to impact as a state legislator. Having been personally affected by these challenges, I’m positioned to make a real difference.

A Tragedy Unfolds, Heroes Emerge

The call concerned a heartbreaking case that would soon make headlines across Tennessee and North Carolina. Deanna Michelle ‘Missy’ Bockes had been murdered by her husband, Brent James Bockes, who then fled with their 3-year-old daughter, Riley. An Amber Alert was issued, and law enforcement agencies across state lines mobilized to find this endangered child.

The family had an upcoming hearing with the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. I wasn’t sure what I could do, but I knew I could show up, listen to their story, and support the law enforcement officers and DCS employees working tirelessly on this case.

What I witnessed that day was extraordinary. I saw firsthand the compassion and dedication of Rutherford County Deputies Corporal Travis, Deputy Smotherman, and Detective Austin Mobbs as they worked to help this family during an unimaginable crisis. Their professionalism, empathy, and unwavering commitment to protecting an innocent child reminded me why we must continue supporting our law enforcement community.

WGNS Radio: Officers Reunite With Amber Alert Child–1 Year Later!

The Power of Teamwork

The resolution of this case showcased the best of multi-agency cooperation. According to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, Brent James Bockes was located and arrested at a Murfreesboro motel after crashing his vehicle on Interstate 24. The collaborative effort involved:

– Rutherford County Sheriff’s deputies
– Murfreesboro Police officers
– K9 units with officers Cody Shanabarger and his partner Beau, plus Officer Oliver Goddard
– Deputies who conducted interviews and searches throughout local motels

Deputy Denise Smotherman interviewed people in motel lobbies while Deputy John Wauchek helped pinpoint the suspect’s location. When officers located Bockes and Riley at the Select Inn, they immediately ensured the child’s safety, calling EMS to check both due to the earlier crash.

Three-year-old Riley was unharmed and safe—the outcome every officer, deputy, and family member had prayed for.

Stories That Need Telling

Sadly, stories of law enforcement’s compassion and heroism are seldom told with the attention they deserve. While some journalists do care about highlighting positive instances of police work, these stories don’t seem to generate the headlines, newspaper sales, or online views that more sensational news attracts.

But these stories matter. They reveal the human side of law enforcement—officers and deputies who see their work not just as a job, but as a calling to protect the most vulnerable among us. They show us public servants who go above and beyond, working across jurisdictions and through the night to bring a missing child home safely.

The Legislative Connection

This experience reinforced my commitment to addressing the interconnected challenges facing our communities. The issues surrounding this case—domestic violence, child welfare, mental health support, and the need for adequate resources for both law enforcement and social services—are precisely the areas where state legislators can make a meaningful impact.

We need more school counselors to identify at-risk children. We need better mental health resources for families in crisis. We need to support programs that address domestic violence before it escalates to tragedy. And we absolutely must ensure our law enforcement officers and correctional staff have the training, resources, and support they need to serve our communities effectively.

A Call to Recognition

As I reflect on that January morning and the events that followed, I’m reminded that synchronicity often calls us to action. Perhaps I received that call because, as someone who has been personally affected by these challenges, I’m uniquely positioned to advocate for change at the state level.

But I’m also called to recognize and celebrate the everyday heroes who serve our community. Corporal Travis, Deputy Smotherman, Detective Mobbs, and all the officers involved in this case exemplify the best of law enforcement. Their compassion, professionalism, and dedication deserve our recognition and support.

In a time when law enforcement faces unprecedented challenges and criticism, we must not forget to honor those who risk their lives to protect others—especially our most vulnerable citizens. The officers who brought Riley home safely that night are heroes, and their story deserves to be told.

Sometimes coincidences really do happen for a reason. Sometimes they lead us exactly where we need to be, doing exactly what we’re called to do. For me, that January call was a reminder of why public service matters and why supporting those who serve others must remain a priority.

As your representative in the Tennessee legislature, I remain committed to addressing the root causes of family violence, supporting our law enforcement community, and ensuring adequate resources for child protection services. If you have concerns about any of these issues, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. My email is Rep.Mike.Sparks@capitol.tn.gov and office number is 615-741-6829.