Shannon Lynn Bicking and Ethan Temple Bicking: Workplace Dispute at Republic Services Ends in Shooting, Leaving One Critically Injured and Another in Stable Condition
A deeply heartbreaking and traumatic event took place early on Monday morning at the Republic Services recycling center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, forever altering the lives of a devoted family and the local community. A workplace dispute escalated into a violent act, leaving 53-year-old Ethan Temple Bicking in critical condition after being shot by a colleague, and his wife, 52-year-old Shannon Lynn Bicking, physically injured from an assault. Both individuals, long-time employees at the recycling center, have been the subject of shock and grief after this senseless act of violence, which has shaken their families, coworkers, and friends to the core.
The Incident: A Verbal Dispute Turns Violent
The tragic events unfolded at approximately 6:10 a.m. on March 17, 2025, when the Winston-Salem Police Department received a distressing call reporting a shooting at the Republic Services facility. Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement officers discovered that a verbal dispute between two employees had escalated rapidly into a violent confrontation. In the moments leading up to the violence, Shannon Lynn Bicking, a dedicated employee, was reportedly physically assaulted by a coworker.
Shannon, who has worked diligently at Republic Services for several years, was in the middle of a routine workday when the altercation began. Details surrounding the nature of the verbal dispute remain under investigation, but what started as a disagreement soon escalated into something far more alarming when Ethan, Shannon’s husband, tried to intervene in an attempt to protect her.
Ethan Temple Bicking, also a well-respected employee at the facility, rushed to his wife’s defense as the situation turned more heated. However, in a shocking and unexpected turn of events, the assailant produced a firearm during the altercation and shot Ethan. This act of violence left Ethan critically injured and in need of immediate medical attention. The suspect fled the scene immediately after the shooting, leaving both Shannon and Ethan behind in the aftermath of the attack.
The Response: Quick Action by First Responders
The response from emergency services was swift. First responders rushed to the Republic Services facility, where they quickly transported both victims to the hospital. Shannon, though physically injured from the assault, was fortunate that her injuries were not life-threatening. Medical professionals have described her condition as stable, though she remains under observation as she recovers both physically and emotionally from the trauma she endured.
Ethan, on the other hand, suffered a gunshot wound that left him critically injured. His condition has been described as serious, though stable for the moment. Doctors are continuing to assess the full extent of his injuries, and his family remains by his side, holding onto hope for his recovery.
The trauma inflicted on both Shannon and Ethan is not just physical but emotional as well. For Shannon, witnessing her husband being shot, as well as enduring the assault herself, has caused profound distress. For Ethan, the road to recovery is uncertain, and his family is anxiously awaiting updates on his condition, praying for his full recovery. The incident has left both families in deep shock, struggling to comprehend the horrific events that unfolded in a place they once considered a secure environment.
The Bicking Family: A Community Devastated
The Bicking family, who has been part of the Winston-Salem community for many years, is deeply affected by this tragedy. Shannon and Ethan are not just colleagues at Republic Services, but cherished members of their community. The couple has worked together at the recycling center for years, forging friendships and professional relationships along the way. They are known for their strong work ethic, their kindness, and their unwavering support for their colleagues.
Friends and coworkers have shared their shock and disbelief at the incident. “Shannon and Ethan are the kind of people who always show up for others, no matter what. They’re the last people you would ever expect to be involved in something like this,” said one of their colleagues, who has known the couple for
