CONNEAUT, Ohio — A Conneaut man, 45, turned himself in to police in Ashtabula County after allegedly killing his girlfriend Wednesday morning, according to the Conneaut Police Department.
At approximately 12:45 a.m., the man, identified by police as Nathan Sumner, walked into the police department and informed authorities he had just shot and killed his girlfriend, 35-year-old Heather Harris, police said.
According to police, officers then went to the residence near the 100 block of Nickel Plate Ave.
"A part of me is in shock, kind of numb, sick to my stomach a little bit," friend Sheri Seal said. "It's been rough. Heather was a social butterfly."
Upon arrival, officers found the body of a 35-year-old woman sitting on a couch and noted that it was apparent the woman was deceased, police said.
Police say the woman was pronounced dead when medical personnel from the Conneaut Fire Department arrived soon after.
As Conneaut Police Chief Michael Colby points out, this is another reminder of the importance of speaking out when there's potential for domestic violence.
"A lot of times people are afraid to report these kinds of incidents," he said. "Everybody is just sad."
"If you’re in a bad relationship like that where there’s domestic violence, even if it's just threats, get out," Seal added.
Sumner was silent when he sat in front of a judge Wednesday, facing one count of murder. He is due back in court in October.
A vigil for Heather Harris is scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m. outside the home where it happened.
