Heather Elise Harris, 35, of Conneaut, Ohio, was remembered by friends and family as strong, determined and deeply compassionate. Loved ones said she was outgoing and social, cherished by her mother Cindy, her sister Megan and others who gathered to grieve after her death.

In the early morning hours of September 25, 2024, at about 12:45 a.m., Harris was found dead on a couch in the couple’s home in the 100 block of Nickel Plate Avenue after her live-in boyfriend of three years, 45-year-old Nathan Sumner, walked into the Conneaut Police Department and confessed that he had just shot and killed her. Medical personnel pronounced Harris dead at the scene from fatal gunshot wounds. Sumner was arrested and initially charged with murder; he pleaded not guilty at his first court appearance and was later indicted by an Ashtabula County Grand Jury.

The community held a candlelight vigil outside the home where Harris died, sharing memories and calling for justice. If anyone knew Heather or has information about the circumstances that night, please come forward with what you know.