Fennell was found dead in her home on December 4th, 2024 by former Pender County detective Scott Lawson, her ex-boyfriend and roommate. They shared a home in Hampstead together.
The medical examiner noted that Fennell had been diagnosed with anxiety, but had no history of substance or alcohol abuse, nor any documented suicidal ideation or attempts. According to the autopsy, law enforcement agents had reported "increasing calls for domestic disputes" in the household.
Fennell was shot in the forehead with a .38 revolver. The autopsy report also notes the placement of Fennell's body: lying on her back, with a blanket covering her mid-abdomen. The medical examiner said her hands were folded on her abdomen over a revolver. They were partially covered by the blanket.
The medical examiner also reported "linear, healing superficial incised wounds" on the side of her neck and on both wrists.
Shortly after she was found dead, the Pender County Sheriff's Office asked the State Bureau of Investigation to take over the case, presumably due to Lawson's past involvement with the department. Lawson served on the force for nine years and ran for sheriff in 2014.
Heather Fennell taught at Topsail Middle School for over 20 years. A spokesperson for Pender County Schools told WHQR that she had not been in school since August, but didn't explain why.
The SBI reports that Fennell’s death is still under investigation. A spokesperson says that the agency has sent several pieces of evidence to the State Crime Lab for testing, and will make a determination after receiving the results. There's no word yet on when that will be.
Read the autopsy report below.
Below: Medical Examiner's report and autopsy
Heather Fennell Autopsy by Ben Schachtman on Scribd
Read more:
- WHQR: Pender County officials share new details on Heather Fennell's death
- WHQR: SBI confirms death of Hampstead school teacher
- WECT: Autopsy released for 2024 death of local teacher, death still under investigation
