HOISINGTON – The investigation continues into the apparent murder/suicide Tuesday night that left two rural Barton County residents dead at a farm residence about seven miles northeast of Hoisington, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office reported  Wednesday.
Dead are 35-year-old Justin Heggemeier and 39-year-old Michelle Heggemeier, who both lived at the home in the 1600 block of NE 20 Avenue. The preliminary investigation indicates Michelle was shot at close range and Justin died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to a BCSO news release issued by Sheriff Brian Bellendir, at about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, deputies responded to the incident after being called to the residence by a juvenile resident who said shots had been fired during a domestic disturbance. When the officers arrived, they found the bodies of Justin and Michelle, both dead at the scene.
The juvenile, a 14-year-old girl, was unharmed and had been hiding in a closet during the altercation. The juvenile also lived in the home.
The BCSO service log notes that the girl said her mom and step dad, who she said had been drinking, were upstairs fighting and she went downstairs to hide. She then heard two shots after which her mother was no longer making any sounds. She then called 911.
Authorities said she is now staying with family members.
The BCSO release said the case remains under investigation. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by Hoisington Emergency Medical Services.