Facebook Leads to Discovery of Double Murder-Suicide
The suspect’s name in a murder-suicide has been released after a woman who lived miles away, told police a man had just confessed to the crimes on Facebook.
Bart Heller posted to his Facebook a disturbing message on Saturday at 2:46 p.m. which read: "Someone call 911. Three dead bodies at 3229 lima road fort wayne Indiana. I've killed ryann, erin, and myself.”
Nancy Lopez, a subscribed friend read the message and called police at 3:04pm to report the crime.
Police reportedly identified a lifeless body through a window at the address where they continued through the front door and found two more dead bodies, all which appeared to have been shot.
Heller, who was allegedly romantically linked to 19-year-old victim Erin Jehl, had reportedly become jealous of her relationship with the second victim, 19-year-old Ryan Tipton. Heller also posted on his Facebook: “People were warned not to play me and ruin me. They didn't listen.”
Police however, have not yet declared Heller to be the shooter nor have they announced a motive. The Journal Gazette reports that Police spokesman Scott Tegtmeyer said in written statement: "At this time we do not believe this was a random act of violence and we are not currently seeking any suspects in connection to this incident.”
According to recent news, this is not the first investigation that has utilized Facebook as an investigative tool. The “Erin Jehl Memorial Fund” has been set up by Jehl's family to help pay funeral expenses.
