RANDOLPH COUNTY, N.C. — Heather Hicks Auman appeared in court Monday for the murder of her husband, longtime Seagrove firefighter 'MJ' Mishael James Auman.
Heather, 37, was indicted to Superior Court on a first-degree murder charge. WFMY News 2's Jenna Kurzyna reports all that was decided is that the hearing would continue as a non-capital murder case; meaning, Heather will not face the death penalty. She is still charged with first-degree murder.
Family from both sides were in the courtroom on Monday but did not want to speak.
Heather has been confined to the Randolph County jail with no bond allowed, and she still has not entered a plea.
Randolph County sheriff's deputies found MJ shot and unresponsive in the couple's home on Ridge Road on June 25. He was rushed to the hospital but didn't survive.
Investigators said Heather made one of the 911 calls and told the operator that MJ had shot himself. Detectives later determined that Heather was the one who shot him. The following Wednesday, she was arrested at her home and charged with first-degree murder.
MJ served the Seagrove community for more than 20 years. He leaves behind an 11-year-old son, whom he shared with his previous spouse.