Marshfield shooting was murder, suicide

BY MIKE WARREN

MARSHFIELD – A divorced Marshfield couple is dead, after the man broke into his ex-wife’s residence and shot and killed her before taking his own life. The murder-suicide occurred in the early-morning hours of Nov. 15 at 309 S. Sycamore Ave., on the city’s far west side.

According to Marshfield Police Chief Jody Geurink, both Marshfield officers and Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies went to the home shortly before 11 a.m., after a co-worker of Melissa Wright, 41, called to say she had not shown up for work that morning. Officers found a truck registered to Heath Heck, 48, parked in the driveway of the residence. Geurink also says the front door to the home had been damaged, consistent with a break-in. Both Heck and Wright were found in a bedroom, both dead from gunshot wounds. The investigation revealed Heath shot Melissa, killing her, before turning the gun on himself. In a Nov. 16 interview with Hub City Times, Chief Geurink said the weapon – a .44-caliber handgun – was recovered at the scene.

The couple’s children – a high school-aged boy and a middle school-aged girl – were both found at a separate location, and are currently with grandparents.

“A fairly frequent call that we do respond to is somewhat related to a domestic incident,” Chief Geurink told us. “And a domestic incident is defined as any two adults who have ever lived together.” According to online court records, the couple’s divorce was finalized in August, 2020.

In a prepared press release, Geurink added, “We are thankful that Melissa’s co-worker took it upon herself to call our department. Without your call the conclusion to this case would have undoubtedly been prolonged.”  

Geurink also urged anyone who is experiencing, or knows anyone experiencing, domestic violence or abuse to reach out for help. “Please call the police in your jurisdiction and take advantages of all the resources available.”