Heather Turner: 911 call released in death of young mom shot under ‘questionable’ circumstances

**Warning** Graphic Details

The husband of a Georgia woman found dead in her home last year responded on Friday to questions about his actions in the immediate aftermath of his wife’s death, including a delay in calling 911.

Heather Turner, 35, died inside her Paulding County home in May 2017, and although her husband, Andy D. Turner, 43, indicated she took her own life, the case remains open and “questionable” as the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) continues to investigate the incident and process the evidence. CBS46 spoke to Turner, who explained several details regarding his call to 911.

The 911 call was placed by Turner on May 4, 2017, at around 6 a.m. at his Dallas, Georgia, residence, around 32 miles northwest of Atlanta. Yet, according to the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, the time of incident stated 5:30 a.m. When CBS’ Dan Wilkerson questioned Turner on the 30-minute time lapse, Turner said that his wife was in the bathroom “for a period” of time after 5:30 a.m. before he heard the gunshot.

“She typically gets out of bed sets her alarm around 5:30 [a.m.] to 5:45 [a.m.], and she had gotten up that morning and was in the bathroom for a period of time before we ever heard anything.”

Heather Turner 5-4-2017 by CrimeOnline on Scribd

Prior to calling 911, Turner called his parents first, who allegedly live around 10 minutes from him. He explained that he wanted someone to watch over her while he helped his wife.

“I understand people question that,” Turner explained. “But when you’re in a dramatic situation you make decisions quick.”

Tuner told the 911 dispatcher that the little was girl was asleep on the living room couch when asked if anyone else was in the home. However, Turner told Wilkerson that his daughter ran to the bathroom door when she heard a noise.

“My daughter and I heard a noise and ran to the door and that’s what we found.”

GBI, along with Sgt. Ashley Henson, Public Information Officer at the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed to CrimeOnline that the investigation into Heather Turner’s death is still open and at this time, the cause of the death is ruled as undetermined while additional evidence is being processed.

A coroner’s report, provided by Lindsey Eberhart with the Paulding County Coroner’s Office, indicated Heather was found nude, lying on her back in the bathroom with a single gunshot wound to the right side of her head. The report also started that it appeared someone tried to clean a wall near the toilet. The bullet, according to the report, was never found and authorities did not find any bullet markings present on any of the bathroom walls.

The coroner’s report also stated that Heather left behind a note with simple message that read, “I’m sorry. I love you.”

CrimeOnline spoke with Heather’s long-time friend, Joanie Miller, and her husband, actor Jeremy Miller of the popular 1980s hit ABC show, “Growing Pains.” The Millers both said they didn’t feel Heather would ever take her own life, while Joanie explained that the sparse suicide note struck her as odd, since Heather loved to write and often expressed herself through words.

Posted by Joanie Miller on Sunday, October 15, 2017

 

“I honestly have never met another more beautiful soul inside and out. She is gorgeous,” Joanie Miller said. “Every time we saw her with her daughter it was so apparent how close they were. She loved those babies more than life itself. That’s a mom who would do anything for her children! She was such a good mom and it was so evident how close her and her daughter were.”

Jeremy Miller echoed Joanie’s sentiment.

“She had the warmest and most welcoming personality. [She was] quirky, funny, and a beautiful and compassionate heart thrown in as a bonus. She was an incredibly special lady. I know in my heart that Heather could never and would never have killed herself.”

Despite the Millers’ confidence that Heather’s death was not intentional, it still hasn’t been ruled accidental or homicidal. Authorities stated that there is a strong argument that points to homicide, but also a strong argument that points to possible suicide, according to CBS.

The GBI state it could take up to four months, give or take, before the evidence in the case is processed and complete.

CrimeOnline‘s efforts to reach Turner have been unsuccessful so far. He has not been named a suspect by authorities, who said that everyone at this point is a “person of interest.”

Turner previously told Wilkerson that accusations against him has affected his personal life and family life. He stated any allegations that he played a part in his wife’s death are untrue.

Heather Turner is survived by two biological children and three stepsons. She’s remembered by friends and family as being a warm, compassionate person who enjoyed being a mother. Also known as a “goofball,” Heather often entertained her friends with her quirky antics; she was known to start singing on a whim in public.

The story continues to develop. Check back with CrimeOnline as additional information becomes available.

WARNING: The following 911 call may be disturbing to some listeners.

[Feature Photo: Heather Turner/Handout]