Melanie Heather Bounds Shoemaker, a 42-year-old woman from Hillister, Texas, tragically passed away on October 5, 2014. She was a surgical registered nurse and a member of the Methodist faith. Graveside services were held for her on October 12, 2014, at Magnolia Cemetery in Hillister.
The circumstances surrounding her death were particularly harrowing. She was kidnapped and found tied to a beam in Hillister.
The investigation into her death led to the arrest of Christopher Paulette, a 34-year-old man from Hillister. Paulette was charged with capital murder and felon in possession of a firearm. He was taken into custody after deputies responded to a call about a man being held against his will at a residence in Hillister. During the search of the residence, the body of Melanie Heather Bounds Shoemaker was discovered hidden inside.
The case was investigated by the Tyler County Sheriff's Office, ATF, and the Texas Rangers. Paulette was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of Melanie Heather Bounds Shoemaker.
This tragic event shook the small community of Hillister, as residents were not accustomed to such violent crimes in their area. The loss of Melanie Heather Bounds Shoemaker was deeply felt by her family, friends, and colleagues in the medical community.
