Heather was found dead by friends at her apartment.
They discovered her decapitated body and her head stuffed into a trash bag just one day after she sent an ominous text about her boyfriend to a friend.

Heather loved going camping and spending time at the lake. She also enjoyed going out for dinner. Heather loved going to the pool and swimming with her daughter, Lilly. She loved the time she was able to spend with her and Lilly was her pride and joy.

“Heather was a bright spark in this world. Her friends and family loved her quick wit, as she was always ready with a joke or snappy comeback.”

AGE: 41
FROM: Yankton, South Dakota
CAUSE OF DEATH: Unknown
DATE OF DEATH: January 2
SUSPECT: Craig Allen Nichols Jr (32)
RELATIONSHIP TO VICTIM: Boyfriend
STATUS: Charged with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter and two counts of contempt of court.