Heather Marie Leeland Schmitt, a 44-year-old woman from Huron, Ohio, tragically passed away on June 4, 2019. She was born on April 30, 1975, in Elgin, Illinois, and had lived in Huron for the past 16 years. Heather was employed as a Financial Planner at Western & Southern Life Insurance Company in Sandusky and was an active member of her community, including St. Peter Catholic Church, the Huron Eagles, and the Huron Band Parents.
She enjoyed painting as a hobby and is survived by her two sons, August Beckman and Nash Leeland, as well as her mother, Diane Overbeek, and brother, Jeffrey Schmidt.
The circumstances surrounding Heather's death were particularly tragic. On the evening of June 4, 2019, deputies responded to a call from Heather's younger son, who discovered Heather and her 16-year-old son, Dakota Leeland, suffering from gunshot wounds in their home on Snowy Egret Drive. Heather was pronounced dead at the scene, having suffered at least one gunshot wound to the head. Dakota was flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities believe that Dakota shot his mother before turning the gun on himself, and the incident is being investigated as a possible murder-suicide.
The Erie County Sheriff's Office conducted an investigation into the incident, including reviewing surveillance video from the home. The investigation revealed that deputies had been dispatched to the home multiple times in the past for domestic issues. Despite the tragic nature of the event, no arrests or suspects were identified in connection with Heather's death, as it was determined to be a result of Dakota's actions.
Heather's death left a profound impact on her family and community, with many expressing their condolences and sharing memories of her bright smile and supportive nature. Her younger son, Nash Leeland, has received memorial contributions for his college education in her honor.
In summary, Heather Marie Leeland Schmitt's death was a heartbreaking incident involving her son, Dakota Leeland, and is considered a possible murder-suicide. The investigation concluded without any arrests or suspects, as the incident was attributed to Dakota's actions.
