In a tragic turn of events on June 11, 2010, Heather Campbell, a 20-year-old White female from Urbandale, Iowa, was killed in a double murder-suicide in a rural home near Lake City. A student at Des Moines Area Community College pursuing a nursing degree, Heather had a promising future ahead of her, with aspirations to specialize in the care of children with developmental disabilities.
She was known for her selfless and caring nature, a trait that would tragically seal her fate.
On that fateful day, Heather was visiting her friend and classmate, 19-year-old Paige Gallo. The two were reportedly studying for a nursing exam at the home Paige shared with her fiancé, 20-year-old Luke Schleisman. An argument broke out between the couple, escalating to a dangerous point. Despite the grave risk to her own safety, Heather refused to abandon her friend in a time of need. Evidence from a voicemail left on her mother's phone captured a verbal altercation followed by the sound of gunshots, indicating that Heather chose to stay with Paige despite pleas for her to flee.
The situation culminated in a horrific act of domestic violence when Luke Schleisman shot and killed both Heather and Paige before turning the gun on himself. The incident was a shock to the community and a devastating loss for the families involved. Authorities ruled the case a double murder and suicide, with Schleisman as the sole perpetrator. Prior to the incident, Schleisman had a history of domestic abuse and was legally barred from owning firearms, yet he had at least three in the house.
In the wake of this tragedy, Heather's family remembers her as a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice for a friend. Her selfless act of courage, though it resulted in her own death, was a testament to her character. Memorials were established in her name, including a scholarship for nursing students at Des Moines Area Community College, to honor the memory of a young woman who was dedicated to helping others.
