Heather Jolene Baumgardner, a 24-year-old woman from Zionville, NC, tragically lost her life on November 22, 2010. Heather was born on May 14, 1986, in Watauga County, and was the daughter of Jolene Lawrence Baumgardner and the late Earl Edward Baumgardner. She resided at 1387 Mabel School Road, Zionville.
On that fateful day, Heather and her boyfriend, 39-year-old Barry Cook, were shot to death at her home.
The father of Heather's two children, Jeremy Russom, was arrested later that day and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Since his arrest, Russom has remained in custody and is awaiting trial. The prosecution and defense have been working behind the scenes to prepare for the trial, with Russom's attorney, Garland Baker, making a request for discovery in December 2010.
The case has been relatively quiet to outsiders, but the families and friends of those involved have been working through the flood of emotions that sprung from the tragedy. Heather's mother, Jolene Baumgardner, expressed her grief and disbelief, stating that she thinks of her daughter every day. The trial is expected to take place in the fall of 2012, with the possibility of Russom facing the death penalty or life in prison if convicted.
