Get notified by email when this case is updated.
Written by: A. Smith
Published June 27, 2025 @ 11:33 AM ET
PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. – Eight years after 35-year-old Heather Nicole Turner was found dead in her home, the Paulding County District Attorney’s Office says the case remains open as investigators await critical forensic results.
Heather Nicole Turner was found dead from a gunshot wound in the bathroom of her home on Buck Trail in Dallas, Georgia, in the early morning hours of May 4, 2017. Her husband, Andy Turner, told authorities she had taken her own life shortly after stepping out of the shower around 5:30 a.m. He claimed he performed CPR, then called his parents before contacting 911 just before 6 a.m. According to the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office incident report, deputies responded to the scene for a reported suicide. Upon arrival, they found Heather’s in-laws inside the home, followed by Andy Turner, who was holding Heather’s body in his arms.
“It’s still undetermined as to whether this is a homicide or a suicide,” Paulding County Sheriff Ashley Henson said.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation labeled the circumstances surrounding her death as “questionable,” and the manner of death has never been officially determined. According to the coroner’s report, Heather was found nude with a gunshot wound to the right side of her head.
Family members and friends have long disputed the suicide narrative. They describe Heather as a dedicated mother who would not have taken her own life. Rumors of missing evidence, reporting inconsistencies, allegations of domestic abuse, and claims that Andy Turner received preferential treatment from the former sheriff due to local connections have fueled widespread skepticism both in the community and online.
The case has gained national attention in recent years, including a 2022 episode of It Couldn’t Happen Here hosted by actress Hilarie Burton and coverage in a podcast produced by the Agatha Mae Detective Agency.
In a Facebook statement issued June 24, Paulding County District Attorney Robert Lane reaffirmed that the case remains active. He said the investigation is being conducted in partnership with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, the GBI, and South Carolina’s State Law Enforcement Division. According to Lane, several forensic tests are still pending, and no further public updates will be issued until those results are in.
Lane emphasized that all investigative efforts are based strictly on facts and evidence, not rumors. He cited professional guidelines that restrict public commentary on ongoing cases that could influence future legal proceedings.
Sheriff Ashley Henson also addressed the case in a separate Facebook post, stating that investigating Heather Turner’s death has been a top priority since he assumed office at the start of the year. “Since taking office less than six months ago, we have accomplished a lot,” Henson said. “Our team is working diligently to give this family a resolution in this case sooner rather than later.”
The Paulding County District Attorney’s Office recently released the following timeline in this case:
On May 4, 2017, Ms. Heather Nicole Turner’s death was reported to Paulding County E-911 by her husband, Mr. Andy Turner.
On May 11, 2017, PCSO requested the assistance of the GBI with the investigation into the death of Ms. Turner.
On May 21, 2024, Ashley Henson won the Republican Primary for Sheriff of Paulding County, Georgia, and subsequently ran unopposed in the general election on November 5, 2025.
On September 3, 2024, Robert Lane assumed office as the 5th District Attorney of Paulding County, Georgia.
On September 4, 2024, District Attorney Robert Lane (DA Lane) and Sheriff-Elect Ashley Henson discussed the need to prioritize the investigation into the death of Ms. Turner.
On October 1, 2024, a self-declared representative of a member of Ms. Turner’s family emailed DA Lane directly for an update on the investigation into Ms. Turner’s death. Contained within the email are 14 distinct questions (with multiple subparts).
On October 10, 2024, DA Lane responds to the October 1, 2024, email with detailed answers to all 14 questions (with multiple subparts).
On January 1, 2025, Sheriff Ashley Henson (Sheriff Henson) assumed office as the 50th Sheriff of Paulding County, Georgia.
On January 1, 2025, Sheriff Henson ordered the prioritization of the investigation into the death of Ms. Turner.
On January 5, 2025, a member of Ms. Turner’s family responded directly to DA Lane in reference to the October 10, 2024, email referenced above.
On January 5, 2025, a member of Ms. Turner’s family emailed Sheriff Henson to request additional information regarding the investigation of Ms. Turner’s death.
On January 7, 2025, members of Ms. Turner’s family requested an in-person meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.
On January 14, 2025, DA Lane, Sheriff Henson, and members of the investigative team conducted a review of the investigation of Ms. Turner’s death at the PCSO headquarters.
On January 23, 2025, a meeting location at the State Bar of Georgia was reserved and scheduled for March 26, 2025, by DA Lane.
On February 2, 2025, a private meeting between Ms. Turner’s father, DA Lane, Sheriff Henson, and members of the investigative team was held at the PCDA office. At that meeting, Ms. Turner’s father was provided with an update on the investigation into his daughter’s death, the steps that remained in the investigation, and the likely completion date of the investigation.
On March 26, 2025, an in-person meeting was held between DA Lane, Sheriff Henson, members of Ms. Turner’s family, Ms. Turner’s family’s representative, and members of various law enforcement agencies. The meeting lasted approximately 5.5 hours and addressed more than 200 itemized questions submitted by members of Ms. Turner’s extended family. Near the conclusion of the meeting, Sheriff Henson provided all parties with an update on the status of independent forensic testing and provided an estimated completion date (as provided by the testing agency).
On June 16, 2025, a representative of Ms. Turner’s family emailed various officials, including DA Lane and Sheriff Henson, with a request for a “recorded meeting” with the officials contained within the email.
On June 17, 2025, DA Lane responded with an update that no further information is available for disclosure as outstanding forensic tests remain incomplete, but a meeting would be appropriate after the conclusion of said tests.
On June 17, 2025, a representative of Ms. Turner’s family responded to the email from DA Lane.
Online activism has played a significant role in keeping the case in the spotlight. The “Justice for Heather Turner” Facebook page has drawn more than 9k followers, and a related TikTok account has surpassed 15,000.
Despite the attention, many supporters have voiced frustration over what they view as the slow progress and lack of transparency. Some have inquired about filing formal complaints regarding the DA’s and sheriff’s offices. Others claim the family was warned not to speak publicly about meetings with officials under threat of losing future access.
One post on the Facebook page alleged that the family was silenced by the DA’s office in February and that officials discouraged public discussion. The same post claimed Gov. Brian Kemp and Attorney General Chris Carr blocked her from accessing an email she sent about the case. However, the poster also acknowledged that Sheriff Henson has remained active in the investigation, which may have prompted the DA’s latest public statement.
While Andy Turner has not been charged and continues to assert his innocence, the investigation is far from over. Officials say the results of remaining forensic tests will help clarify what happened in the early morning hours of Heather Turner’s death. The DA’s office has pledged to share new information with the public and Heather’s family as soon as it becomes available.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for support.
Get notified by email when this case is updated.