I just wanted him to stop. And then he come at me again. And I was like, don't. >> Did you say either don't before you pulled the trigger? >> As soon as I seen the gun. >> Spoiler details are in the video description and the full results of all charges in the case are laid out at the end of the video. >> I'm going to try and keep it kind of open-ended, okay? Cuz I just want to get your your side of the story. Here's the most important part, okay? I don't want you to tell me what you think I want to hear. I don't want you to tell me what you think. >> I don't want to tell you what you think you want to hear. And I'm a burden on this person and that's what I got on calls. >> You wouldn't be bold. >> It is it is it was >> [sighs] >> Okay. >> We don't have the best relationship. It is it's paltry. Me and John. >> Okay. What Before we I'm not trying to interrupt you. >> John Tippit. >> Is John short for Jonathan? >> Yes. >> Okay. Is it J O N A T H A N? >> Yes. >> And then Tippit, T I P P >> Jonathan Wayne Tippit. He's the owner of the house. That ain't a little bit. >> T I P P I T T? >> Yes. >> Okay. How old's John? >> He's 50. >> 50 year old? >> 721472 >> Okay. Are you guys married? >> No. >> Just dating relationship? Have you I assume you since you've been living there seven year seven years you've been dating seven years? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, when you say you don't have the best relationship, talk to me about that. >> It's Well, we got together through >> [snorts] >> And my ex and his ex are brother and sister, okay? [snorts] To say the least. He's got a history of being aggressive. >> He'll fight in there with you guys. >> He being John? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> He's got two assault charges. And there's been a few at different times and I'm like, "Dude, you keep [ __ ] doing this. You keep [ __ ] putting your hands on me." Don't do it. Don't do it. Don't do it. >> And you said if I look him up, so I assume that was reported to the police? >> Yes. >> Okay, so you were the victim of domestic violence? >> No? >> I was not either one of them. Two other women were. >> Prior, so his prior relationship? >> Yeah. >> Okay. About how long ago do you think that was? >> Uh well, one was 15 years ago and the other one was I think like 16 years ago. >> Okay. >> One was Yeah. >> Was he arrested for domestic violence? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Both times. >> And did you know those women? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> One's his baby's mama. >> Oh, okay. And you >> And I I love her and I am >> No No No No No, it is. Do you know all their names? >> [snorts] [sighs] >> I told him not to put his hand >> I I It doesn't matter. Well, it really does matter. I mean >> Well, it doesn't doesn't I can't believe I did it. Oh my god. Who does that? >> [panting] >> Who does that? >> [clears throat] >> Can you tell me about what like what you did when you say you can't believe you did it? I know that may you may think >> No, I I told him a couple times that was like, "Hey, quit putting your [ __ ] hands on me." >> Was this tonight? >> This This is prior to years. Prior this over the last 7 years. >> I do. Don't put your [ __ ] hands on me. One of these days I'm going to [ __ ] kill you. >> And this was years ago? Were you guys having a altercation or an argument tonight? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> And that's why everything is messed up at the house and I got scuff marks I have bruises on my [ __ ] ribs and >> Okay. >> Whatever. >> So, it's it's really important to me to document that you're okay. I'm not I'm not here to just get somebody in trouble. I'm not walking you away through the key. That's not my point. My My point is to get the truth. Okay? >> Well, my truth is it was truly self-defense cuz again he was like coming back after me and I was like dude, don't [ __ ] do it. He's like I'm going I'm going to [ __ ] kill you or and I was like no, you're not. And So, the gun that I have is my dad's gun. >> Okay. >> So, document that and I never registered those in my name. >> That's okay. >> So, between the .22 that they probably found in the bedroom >> Sure. >> and the .45 that I shot him with >> Okay. >> Those are both my dad's guns. >> Is >> My dad is deceased by 13 years and I never registered them in my name. >> Okay. >> They've been in my possession. I've never done anything else with them. It's So, it's just >> Did you inherit them or something when he passed? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Your family didn't know he >> They're well, he died unexpectedly. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> So, it's Well, he was only 56. So, it was one of those and I never registered in my name. So, but they were in my possession. So, that's where they came from. >> So, was the gun when you came out on the porch and you had one and you had the silver revolver with a scope on it. Was that the .45 that you're talking about? >> I wasn't on the porch. I was actually on >> I mean, maybe you don't call it a porch, but >> It It No, actually it was in the kitchen where everything happened. >> when my arms are being contacted >> then I still had it in my hand and I walked out there and >> Okay. >> I put it on the porch Well, then I put it on that that that I set it right down and I was like, "Oh my [ __ ] god, it looks like this [ __ ] happened." >> So, that that handgun that you had that you'd set down, thankfully, okay, cuz obviously being contacted by the police with a handgun in your hand is usually not a good turnout for anybody if you're not cooperating. So, I really appreciate you being cooperative and you were >> put it there. >> Okay. >> And what other choice do I have? >> Well, >> you didn't have >> Right. So, how many How many How many times did you shoot John? >> Once. >> Okay. And you said that was in the kitchen? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> [laughter] >> I just need you to be >> And I didn't want to. >> I I understand. >> And I didn't want to. >> I understand you didn't want to, but >> [laughter] >> it's important >> But he was coming back after me and I was like, "I told you not to." >> Okay. So, let's back up here a little bit, okay? Cuz you say you keep saying he was coming back after you. So, what happened initially that led you to go get the gun that you're claiming was self-defense? Okay. >> want to make sure my arm and my ribs >> So, before we >> It's a push down, shove down. >> So, you guys didn't push and shove initially? >> [ __ ] you, [ __ ] Yeah. >> Okay. >> It was verbally >> verbally berating you? >> Way. >> Okay. Were you two the only ones home? >> The only ones that live there. >> So, there You guys don't have children or nothing. Okay. >> We have children, but they don't live there. >> They don't live there. Okay. Um >> For a good reason right? >> Absolutely. So, what what started the argument tonight? What what triggered him to start in on you or get physical? >> It's just anything and everything. It just It just sparks. It's It's just a It's a trigger with him. I mean, I'm not laying blame by no means. He is a really difficult person to get along with. >> When you say it is a trigger? >> It Anything triggers it. If I If I say, "Hey, so who you texting?" "What the [ __ ] you mean who am I texting?" >> Okay. >> And I'm like, "Okay, so who are you texting?" >> Has there been a >> And even his daughter has looked at me the last time we were together. >> Mhm. >> [snorts] >> Which was probably 2 months ago. She looked right at me and said, "Heather, >> That's That's easier. Oh, you got one over there. >> Yep. >> That's all right. We'll get it. >> I missed it. >> We'll get it. Don't worry about it. >> I don't know how you do it." And I said, "What do you mean?" She said, "I don't know how you do it." >> And this was your daughter, you said? >> That was his daughter. >> His daughter. Her name is Heather? >> Her name is Ruthie. >> Oh, she was referring to >> And she said, "Heather, I don't know how you do it." >> Has she witnessed any of the violence between you and John? >> Uh, not between us, but between another person. >> Have you >> We've We've had plenty of conversations. >> Okay. >> It It This is going to I mean, it's not her. >> So, what When you guys started When he he got triggered and you guys started arguing and he initially, like you said, bruised your ribs and Uh, guys got into your physical altercation, Where was that at in the house? >> In the kitchen and the living Well, and then it was it started outside and then it went into the house. And then if you could see the the cup and the ice and everything out on the porch and >> The porch where you were at or the elevated one out back? >> The all of it. It well wherever anything was cuz I came home and I didn't even They didn't even make another drink. >> What time did you get home? >> Uh, 6:30, 7:00. They look at our phones, they do text messages, whatever, whatever. >> So, you were texting with him or something? >> It No, that wasn't texting him. They They we came home together. >> Okay. >> And then it just >> Where were you guys at before that? >> Gator Brown, we were at Side Door. >> Okay. >> Had dinner. >> So, you guys had dinner >> Mhm. >> and then came back to the address there 945 which is your home. You got there, were you guys arguing on the drive? Or did the arguing start there? >> Not so much. It started when we got home. >> Okay. Okay. So, you got home, started arguing, things got physical around the house verbally between the kitchen, living room, outside porch. >> Yep. >> At what point did you guys separate cuz obviously you had to get the gun or where do you keep the gun in the house? >> Well, he pushed me Well, the I always had kept it in my safe downstairs. >> Down in the basement or Okay, so you have a gun safe down there. Is that locked or do you leave it open? >> That's magnetic, it's locked. >> Okay, is it key or >> Usually a combo. >> Okay. Is it a big one or like a big floor safe? Yeah. Okay. So, um, you said he had pushed >> But I had kept it upstairs that one, the .45 and then .22. >> Okay. >> For the last couple years, I don't know why. It just >> Okay. >> Consolable reasons cuz this isn't >> Like consolable for the loss of your father or pain? >> It wasn't uh happened often. >> What happened often? >> Fighting. >> With him? With Charlie? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> And >> How many times do you think he's been physical with you in the past? As best you can recollect in the last 7 years. >> [snorts] >> 20 times. >> About 20? 15 20 times? Okay. >> At least. >> At any of those times did you have to go to the hospital or were you major injured or was it we talking bumps and bruises or just pushing, slapping? What are we talking? >> It choking, pushing, slapping. I never had to go to the hospital because I didn't want to go. >> Okay. So you said >> I think I have got cracked ribs? Yes. >> Tonight or >> No, no. >> In the car? Okay. >> Yeah. >> Did you ever report any of this to law enforcement? >> No. >> Okay. >> Friends. >> What How What was your What was your outcome? How did you resolve that? Did you leave or did things just calm down or what typically happened when when you guys were getting in your altercations in the past? >> I would just accept it. It's comfortable house. >> So you kind of had space and like he wouldn't get Obviously he wouldn't continue to beat you for 24 hours straight. >> Right. >> So things kind of would die down. Would he just go to bed or >> He'd go to bed. He'd go to work. >> Sure. >> I go to work. We do our own things. It was >> Were all these incidences involving alcohol or controlled substances? >> Yeah, the majority. And let me say this. So, 2 years ago, and you can look at my record, I was in >> looked at your record or anything. I just want to >> I was in here 2 years ago for DUI. >> Okay. I appreciate your honesty. >> He was the reason why. >> Okay. >> And I was on a tether for 6 months. And I got strangled probably at least three times during that 6 months. So, I was sober. He was not. >> How long ago was this when you got >> 2 years. >> So, you got a uh drunk driving 2 years ago, got put on a tether. >> In January 9th, 2000 1. >> Okay. Did he ever strangle you to the point where you >> No, 2000. So, 2002 22, right? >> That's So, are you talking 20 years ago? >> No. >> You said 2001. >> Oh, 20 It's 2022. >> Okay, just making sure we're on the same page. So, a little over a year ago is when you got your drunk driving. >> 2 years ago, yes. You can find it all out. You can find it all out. >> It's It's neither here nor there. I appreciate your honesty. I I believe you. Um but just so my facts and the records are clear here, when you got your drunk driving, you got put on a tether, and while you were on that tether, you guys had at least three domestic violence allegations where he choked you. >> And there was that and then I threatened to call the cops. I threatened to shoot him. Yeah, that >> Well, everybody has the right to defend themselves, okay? Just so we're on the same page. >> Yeah, it was It I didn't I hurt him. >> Okay. What was your What was your tonight You mean you didn't mean to hurt him? >> Well, I did. >> Were you just trying to like stop him? >> wanted I want to hurt him, but I didn't want to kill him. >> Okay. So, you wanted him to stop >> Crazy. You know what? He's getting ready to go. >> Did you just want him to stop hurting you? >> I told him to stop. And then he come at me again. And I was like, "Don't want >> When you told him to stop, did you already have the gun? >> Yes, cuz I told him to stop before that. >> And when he was coming at you, he was in the kitchen? >> And I had already went to the bedroom and got the gun. >> So, you were just holding it in your hand? >> And I said, "Don't do it." >> At this point, has he already hit you and hurt your ribs and things? Okay. So, you told him, "Don't do it." He continues to come forward at you. And then at that point, what happened? >> I pulled the gun up and pulled the trigger. >> Okay. Do you know where you shot him? >> I wasn't even like aiming at I just wanted to just scare him. >> Okay. Did you >> want to hit him. I wanted him to know I meant business. >> And I believe you. Okay, I want you to know that. >> I just wanted to scare him like he scares me. >> When When you guys were arguing and fighting prior to you getting the gun, did you have access to your phone or anything? Did you call a friend or >> I know. >> Did you No. No, you didn't call or no, you didn't have your phone? >> I I I stole I don't even know where the phone's at. >> Okay. Do you have Do you have a car at the house? >> [snorts] >> Yeah, two. >> Okay. Did you have the opportunity to to call the cops? >> Okay. [snorts] >> I had been drinking inside my car. >> You didn't want to get a drunk driving? >> Been here. >> Sure. So, what happened after you pulled the trigger? >> Oh my god, are you kidding? >> Well, [clears throat] I'm trying to get a grasp on a time frame here, okay? [snorts] Cuz I know that >> I started [ __ ] screaming. I didn't think I hit him. I didn't want to hit him. It just It just >> [clears throat] >> Sure. >> [snorts] >> What's supposed to happen? >> Okay. >> It's saving him. >> Sure. Did you try and, you know, do first aid or anything on him? >> No, I did. >> Yeah? >> Yes. >> Okay. And after you pulled the trigger, did was he immediately Was he responsive to you or did he say anything or >> Said I don't know why. >> Okay. >> And then he said, "Why did you hit or hurt me?" >> So, at that point, were you still trying to give first aid or what? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> [laughter and gasps] >> What were you doing for your first aid? >> I just rolled over. I was trying to put pressure >> Okay. So, was he >> I there were people I had no idea he had that actually even there. >> [laughter] >> So, I wasn't aiming for him. >> Sure. Where Where were you putting I haven't I haven't personally actually seen him, okay? So, this isn't really a facetious question. But, where were you putting pressure? Where did you actually hit him? >> His abdomen. >> Right in the abdomen? So, by abdomen you mean stomach area? >> Yes. >> Okay. Was there a lot of blood? >> [snorts] [clears throat] >> Too much. >> There was too much? I couldn't tell when we When I started to ask you questions just a second ago and you were kind of talking with your hands, did you Oh, you're okay. That's okay. We'll clean it up. Did you say that you tried to clean it up or you cleaned yourself up? >> And no, cuz it was like in like one spot and then that that I grabbed him and I was trying to do The center is a big old pile of blood at one spot, so I wiped that and then >> What did you use? >> It was like it it just all the everything's still at the house. Everything's all still there. >> been there, so that's why I'm >> And then so, no, I mean, I'm not hiding anything. >> And I believe you. >> And and I just It And so, then I just I put pressure and I was like, "John, >> [gasps] >> Okay. >> John, just with me, baby, and I was putting pressure around his abdomen and trying to get this [ __ ] out. >> Was John drinking tonight also? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Did he have Do you think as much to drink as you did? >> Probably more. >> More? Okay. Were you guys drinking any liquor or beer? >> Both. >> Both? Okay. I assume he had some drinks at Side Door and then probably had some drinks at home. >> He had some on the way. >> He had some on the way? Okay. On the way home or on the way to? >> Both. >> Both? Okay. Um Are you either of you on probation or parole or anything? >> No. >> No? Okay. Um have you ever Did you ever file for a personal protection order or anything against him cuz you were scared of him? >> No. No, I just threatened. >> You just threatened it? Okay. Has anybody ever talked to you about that process and how that works? I mean, obviously you're familiar with it if you knew to threaten it. I'm assuming you've never had one. Have you ever filed for one before? >> No. >> Okay. Heather, after you I guess what did What did you do with the the gun after you realized you had accidentally hit him and were trying to render aid? Did you just drop it or did you put it down? Do you remember? >> I believe that I just set it down. >> Like on the counter or did you drop it on the floor, or >> I kind of dropped it on the floor. >> Okay. And was that You said it was a .45. Was that a revolver? >> Yes. >> Okay. Did you take the casing out of it, or is it just exactly how it was? >> The police have it in their possession. >> Okay. But you didn't do anything after you pulled the trigger. You just left it as it was. And you must have once you realized he was not breathing, did you pick it back up? Cuz you had it in your hand, but then it came out. So >> I either set it down, I either threw it down the ground, and put it back on the counter. I don't know, but it was it was on the counter. >> Okay. >> Can I get a little bit of that in me? >> You doing okay with your water and everything? >> I am. >> Okay. Do you want non-flavored? Cuz we got a drinking fountain. >> I'm good. >> Okay. Um so, one quick question before I get distracted, cuz I'm a pretty brutally honest person, and I like to keep everything I'm not I have nothing to hide from you, okay? So, at the end of the day, if you have questions for me, I will happily answer them um as best I can. If I can't answer them, I'll find you an answer here before too terribly long, okay? Um but one question I do have, and the same rules apply. This door is not locked. If you need to use the restroom, or you want some more water, or something, >> [snorts] >> just just let me know, okay? Um but obviously you're not free to leave here. Uh when you guys were in the kitchen, you said, when you pulled the trigger and you didn't mean to hit him, you just wanted to scare him, you know, slash let him know you were serious. Where were you at when that happened? Were you in the kitchen also? Like were you right next to him, or how was it? >> coming back from uh the bedroom, and I had said, "It don't come after me again." And I had had the gun set on the chair in the kitchen, and he come after me, I said don't and he did and this was the second draw after I had gotten up after being pushed down and >> Okay. >> He did not strangle me. He just pushed me down aggressively. I backed into the side of the counter. I got up, walked into the bedroom, grabbed the gun. >> Where was it at? >> that in the second bedroom in the dresser drawer. >> So, I've never been in the house. Um if I was explain it to me like I was a like an idiot coming into your house where you first made contact with my partner. So, where were you set the gun down if you go in there? >> So, you walk into So, here's the kitchen. Here's the bedrooms. >> So, the bedroom's on the left? >> And there's two bedrooms and a bathroom. >> When you walk in there? >> One of the bedrooms is one of like my little shop rooms. And that's where I had it is in the dresser drawer in my little salon room. >> Okay. >> my color stuff is and >> Which dresser drawer? Like a top one or do you have a special one that you keep it >> Second dresser drawer. It's just a wicker dresser drawer. >> It's the first one you walk in the door. It's not locked. It's not hidden. It's not anything. >> Sure. Do you Do you always keep the gun loaded? >> It generally. >> Yeah. I mean, it's a revolver, you know what I mean? They're not the fastest things to load, so I get it. Is that where you keep your .22 also? >> It It was right next to it. >> Okay. So, your .22 should still be in there or did you take that out, too? >> Nope. >> Okay. >> And I don't believe it. >> Is it easier if I put this right here for you so you don't have to keep reaching backwards? >> Nope. Nope. Nope. Well, that There's all my dirties all in one basket. >> I appreciate it. So, um so, you guys separated after he pushed you out down up against the counter. You walked into your studio bedroom, grabbed the the .45 revolver, and then when you came you came out of the bedroom. And then was he still in Was he in the kitchen this whole time where the physical altercation transpired? >> He was in the kitchen. >> Okay. And then what did he say? >> And then I come around the corner and he didn't even know that I had it in my hand and >> Were you just holding it down or >> it was behind my back and >> Okay. Was it right-handed or left-handed? Are you left-handed? >> Right. I'm right-handed. >> You're right-handed. So you had it kind of behind your back and what >> And I was like, "It don't I said don't don't [ __ ] come at me." >> Were you pointing your you didn't point it at him, did you? You did? >> And I said just don't don't [ __ ] come at me cuz again I was defending myself cuz he was >> being physical with you as you had explained. And when you I'm just making sure >> But like I said I just it and it It didn't work. It didn't >> Sure. >> I didn't want it to happen. >> Were you in like the doorway of the bedroom? >> Right there in the [ __ ] kitchen. >> So >> And I I didn't aim like aim. Cuz if I wanted to [ __ ] kill somebody I'd aim for her head or the heart. >> Right. >> [panting and sighs] >> So >> I just wanted >> Were you closer >> Go beside him and like >> Sure. >> I didn't even [ __ ] care. I didn't >> Would you say that you were closer than me and you are or further? >> Further. >> Further? Would you say it was >> Corner corner. >> Corner to corner? Okay. I'll take that into account. And so, you think that's like 15 ft, 20 ft? Okay. >> [crying] [laughter] [gasps] >> Did you get up? >> I wanted him to be in in business. I did. There's no no way. I wanted to kill him. >> [snorts] >> And I'm not here to say that I think you you intended to to kill him, okay? I'm I'm just trying to make sure that we paint the whole picture here, okay? Cuz um you know, we have we have [laughter] a lot of >> Oh, I could have so many other instances to [ __ ] kill his ass. >> Yeah. >> So many. Side of house. >> Have you ever pulled a gun out on him before? >> No. >> You just never needed to after you got physical things just kind of died down? >> No, I threatened and he knew I had him. >> Did he have access to the guns or did he ever take them out? >> He had access to his own guns. >> Oh, he has his own guns there? Are they in the same safe downstairs or >> No. >> Where's he keep his guns at? >> Upstairs in the drawer. >> Okay. >> And they're his guns. >> They're his guns? >> Yeah. >> Handguns or rifles? >> Both. >> Both? Okay. Um >> And again, if you look up his name and you don't put the other [ __ ] out. >> Sure. I've heard his name. I've never met you or him. >> They've been stolen from him. They've been >> So, he recovered them? >> He did. The cops did. >> Good. Okay. >> But that wasn't >> How since you your best recollection since you inherited those guns from your father, did you ever take them out like recreational shooting, or did you ever go hunting with them, or you just basically kept them in the house? >> Just kept them in the safe. >> Okay. Have you ever fired them since you got them? >> Once out the back door. >> Just like one round? >> at a yeah, just at the target. >> Was it the .22 or the .45? >> Both. >> Both? Okay. How much property you guys have there? >> Seven acres. >> Okay, so it's a pretty good size chunk. Yeah, so it looked like a pretty nice size backyard, but it was dirt, so I couldn't really tell. Um Does he shoot guns very often? >> No. >> No, he just has them for hunting? >> Neither one of us do. >> Yeah. >> And the last time we actually had my .22 out was his daughter was shooting it at [ __ ] beer cans, pop cans out the back door. Long rifle .22, BB guns. >> Okay. What >> She never shot >> .45 or And he's got a What is it? Sure I don't know what he's got in there. >> When he came at you, as the words you used, and things got heated and physical in the kitchen, and he threw you down, he didn't have I'm just saying this cuz it's a kitchen. >> He was not He was not He did not have a weapon. >> He didn't have a knife or nothing, okay? So he just his hands grabbed a hold of you. You said he didn't choke you, but he just basically Did you hit your ribs on the counter? Is that what it was? >> Yeah. >> You said you were up against the counter. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um and again, just so we're on the same page before we leave here, um we might have to go over and have a female do it, but we're going to make sure that we take adequate photos of any injuries that you have. Um you know, I want to make sure that, you know, like you said, you you you did first aid, you did everything you could to try and help him. So I want to make sure um that we're covering our end, and we document like if you have blood on your hands or under your fingernails that like, yeah, look it corroborates with her story. She tried to save him after this mishap and these are all the things. So, you know, like I said, I'm not I'm I'm not a bullshitter. I'm not here to try and drag you through the mud. Um but I have to get the facts straight and I have no reason to believe you're lying to me. Like I am wholeheartedly telling the truth that I did not go into your house. Um my partners did when they arrived on scene after they they obviously made contact with you and they had to figure out what was going on. They were terrified that he was passed away and deceased. Um and then we started our investigation here, okay? Because we wanted to in fact make sure that you didn't just kill him in cold blood. And I don't believe that, okay? And I appreciate you being honest with me and telling me this whole story. So, that way we can get your truth out there if that makes sense. Um and you know what? It's a lot to process. There's a lot going on here, okay? So, I want to make sure that we're all we're all on the same page and uh my same my same uh statement stands from earlier. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask, okay? Cuz this is a two-way street. This is a conversation. It's not an interrogation, if you will, okay? >> [clears throat] >> Um is your phone passcode protected? >> Yes. >> All right. Okay. Are you opposed before we leave here? Um obviously that you're you have your right to privacy with your phone, but you said something about you had text messages to kind of show when you got home. Um you know, is that something that you'd be willing to consent to allow us to look and verify that your text messages, the time frame, and that you didn't shoot him at 9:00 this morning or something ridiculous. >> I would think that forensic files would be able to to take it it >> Well, to be wholeheartedly >> No. No. >> Do you? >> Yes. >> Okay. What does What does he drive? >> I just want to go home. >> [snorts] >> Unfortunately, we got to get to to the bottom of all this so that way it it doesn't look as bad as it sounds. And you know, I >> a 2020 and a 2022 Dodge pickup truck. >> Okay, they're both Dodges. >> Yep. >> Okay, are they at are they all at the house? >> One's at Brown Motors. >> Okay. Do you know what the newer one or the older one? >> The older one. The newer one's at the house. >> Okay. I know you said you didn't report it because for many different reasons, but did you ever miss work or anything from from his actions where you were so injured where you couldn't do anything? Or was it just the kind of like it is now where you're claiming you have some bruises and injuries, but you can obviously you're pretty tough, you can manage through it. >> One major time. >> One what? One major time you missed work because of it. >> I couldn't have a major move. >> Okay. What was your injury then and about how long ago did that happen? >> I broke my ribs. >> Okay. >> A couple months ago. >> Some ribs a couple months ago? I guess I should have started where you work at. >> I work for myself. I'm a hair dresser. >> Okay, that makes sense with the hair salon studio you said. So you canceled your clients and did you and you never went into the doctor to to do anything for your ribs? Did you just What did you do at home or anything? >> I ate a lot of Motrin. >> Okay. Just self-medicated. >> Tried not to cough too much. >> And I'm a smoker, so >> Oh. And I'm a multiple smoker, so I was trying not to catch anything, yeah. >> Jeez. Have you ever broke ribs in the past? >> Never. >> Okay. What makes you think they were broken? Just the pain? >> of the [ __ ] pain. >> Yeah. >> It was horrid. >> Okay. >> And it I mean, yeah, even cough, it was >> How I guess however uh to the best of your recollection, did he, you know, kick you or punch you or did you fall down or how do you think you broke those ribs? >> And he just gave me a double push. Slick boy. >> So he pushed you or something? Okay. >> He ran into the counter over there. >> Yeah. >> Actually, that was the end table. >> The end table. Okay. Maybe my partner's already asked you, but do you need an ambulance for anything like on your I know you said you have bruising and I'm not going [snorts] to make you strip down here. We're just me and you, but >> No, I'm good. >> Okay. I just want to make sure that you're all right. Um >> Nothing, no. >> I know, but physically I want to make sure you're okay. Um and we can we can do what we can to help you out here mentally and emotionally as well, okay? Um [snorts] you know, I'll try to do everything in my power to to work with you and and help you out, you know, especially because your level of cooperation throughout this entire investigation is far, okay? I want you to know that's important to me. Um >> I appreciate that. >> Who do you Who do you normally seek safe haven from when you have these prior incidents with Jonathan? Do you have a friend or family member that you normally talk to or go to or do you talk [snorts] to his daughter? >> I don't have anybody. >> You don't have anybody? Did you say that you guys have kids in common or do you just each have your own kids? >> Yeah, her kids. >> Okay. Are you close to your children? No? All right. It sounds like you're somewhat close to his daughter. You talked to her on the phone occasionally. Not really? >> I haven't talked to her right now. >> No, I'm not asking you to talk to her right now. Do you have any family in the area here? No? Where are you from originally? >> I am from Illinois. >> Okay. What brought you all the way up here? >> My ex-boyfriend. >> Okay. And again, just making sure you and Jonathan were never married. You didn't get married, divorced, and back together. >> I've never been married. >> Just in a long-term dating relationship with him about 7 years. Have you guys always lived at that house? Okay. Did he What did he do for work? >> Self-employed. >> Okay. Did he build that house? It's pretty nice-looking house. Did he build it himself or just fixed it up or Or was it that nice when you guys bought it? >> It wasn't much of a house but the siding and the back of the garage and put the driveway in. >> Okay. He's a pretty handy guy. >> Well, he didn't do it. Somebody else did it. He paid me to do it. >> He hired it out. Yeah. Okay. Do you have any questions for me this far or is there anything else that happened tonight or even prior to tonight that led to you feeling that you needed to get that gun and protect yourself? I just want to make sure that we got your whole side of the story here on on on the record. >> this. There's a reason that it was in my drawer. >> Okay. That's important. >> And honestly, there There's a few times I felt like my life was being threatened. And like my pre My relationship was not like that at all. I just never felt like I was being The first time he grabbed a hold of me and really screamed in my face the very first time and then I laughed at him and he didn't think that was very funny. But then the second time it didn't so go over so good and then there was some strangulation and some pushing and shoving and it's gotten more aggressive, more aggressive. [snorts] And I just I kept him. I thought I used that up. He said no. He shouldn't have. He used that up. >> You're saying you should have used it back then or you shouldn't have? >> I should have. You know, but >> I agree. You know, what I would What I wished I agree it's not right. I wish what would have happened was that you called 911 and my partners would have responded and finally arrested him for domestic violence. You know, instead of the 15 to 20 times that he had abused you in the past um you know, him getting away with it. And I understand you know, I I know I don't look very old but I've been doing this for just about 10 years here with the sheriff's office. Um and I've had a lot of domestic violence cases, okay? And unfortunately, a lot of them are the same way um and they always use this as the example as as a lot of potential to turn out in this very situation where you feel so scared and threatened that you have to defend yourself. Um and again, I'm not saying I agree with it right, wrong, or indifferent because I wish you would have taken so many more steps before you got to that point, okay? And unfortunately, you're going to have to answer for why that is and that's why I'm trying to get your statement as clear and concise as possible. So, it's It's important to me that I ask some of these questions multiple times to clarify all these little itty-bitty details, okay? Um >> [clears throat] >> that's just the the the biggest thing because personally, I don't think that you're a cold-blooded murderer, [snorts] you know, I really don't. And like you said, if you wanted to kill him, you would have done it and not called. You would have not tried to render aid. You would have done a million things probably differently. [clears throat] So, I appreciate your wholehearted honesty. Um but I just I I wish that, you know, you you would have gotten a PPO or you would have created some distance, you know, instead of going to get the gun. >> Should have just [ __ ] left. >> Absolutely, should have left, you know, or stepped outside and walked off into your 7 acres and called 911 or, you know, done anything to create some distance to mitigate the situation or allow my partners who are working tonight and not ultimately make contact with you to do their job. Um and that's, you know, how I hold accountability and uh justice for for the laws that were violated, but you know, hindsight is always 20/20. Um you know, and I I always believe in in telling the truth and and letting letting that path set you free. Um so, I've got some faith that you're doing the right thing and you're being honest and you're going to continue to be honest and cooperate with us throughout this entire investigation and and in the end, you know, we'll get to the bottom of it. >> [snorts] [snorts] >> Did you ever you know, carry other, you know, did you carry a pocket knife or pepper spray or anything because you're scared of him? >> No. >> No. What did he say when you came out of the bedroom and and ultimately saw the gun? Or did you not see the gun when you pulled the trigger? >> Well, he was over there in the kitchen. >> Mhm. >> And like I said, I had it behind my back. >> Sure. Did you point it at >> And then it I he said something What the hell did he say to me? What the [ __ ] are you going to do now? >> And at that point he knew you had the gun or no? >> And no. >> Okay. >> And then he it turned around and I said, "What are you going to do?" I said, "You're going to catch me." >> And he turned around and he was walking around cuz there was a fire at the counter. >> Sure. >> And I was like, "Don't do it. Just don't." >> And when you waved your >> And I pulled it up and I was just Like I said, it was an abdomen shot. It wasn't like it was a [ __ ] head shot or a [ __ ] heart shot or anything. I didn't mean to [ __ ] hit him. >> I know that. So, when you told him, "Don't [ __ ] do it." You were pointing at him. >> charging at me and I >> Okay. >> I was like, "Don't. Don't." >> Did he know that you had the gun when he charged at you? >> The Well, then I pulled it out and he was like it of course the shot look on his face. >> So, you had it behind your back. And then he started charging at you and you pulled it around he was shocked and then that's when you pulled the trigger. >> And then he had >> Did he fall right down immediately? Okay. >> [sighs and gasps] >> And you said you thought maybe you were corner to corner maybe how many feet would you guess? This corner to corner or further? >> And that tastes 6 ft. >> Oh, 6 ft. Okay. Sure. And then he just said, "Heather, why?" >> Heather, don't. >> Okay. Did you say Heather, don't before you pulled the trigger? >> As soon as he seen the gun. >> So, you said Heather, don't and then you pulled the trigger and you said that basically when he was on the ground he said Heather, why? >> But as soon as the the the gun fired, that's when he had me, why? >> Okay. >> And I was like I said that I didn't mean to do >> Sure. >> the wall I shot him. Cuz if I really wanted to [ __ ] kill him, I would have shot him in the head or the heart. >> Sure. >> I mean, seriously. >> Well, you said earlier you were just trying to hurt him to let him know you were serious but you didn't >> even hurt him, but it just hurt him. >> Sure, but I mean there's a difference between hurting and killing him, obviously. You just wanted him to know that you were serious. Obviously to stop hurting you. Am I right? >> Well, it was to know that I wasn't afraid to fire my gun. >> Okay. >> I didn't hit him with it. >> Okay. >> I mean, like I said, if I would have I would have aimed differently. >> When you you said you pulled it up, was it eye level or just like at your hip? >> like, you know, like >> I don't know, that's why I'm asking. Just from the hip? >> The waist. >> Okay. >> Cuz it >> So, you swung it around your back from the waist and just kind of hit fired? Okay. I can kind of see your mannerisms, but um Did you look to make sure that the bullet didn't go through and like out the window and into a neighbor or anything or or did you just immediately start getting up? >> down. >> Okay. >> I don't know. >> Sure. >> And it's not what I wanted. It's so that I jumped on him and he went down in one spot and flopped to another and then I was like try. >> Sure. And then why did you come outside at the end when my partner was putting handcuffs? Why did you come outside holding a gun? Like I'm just trying to >> See the shock. >> You were shocked. You didn't want to leave it behind? [clears throat] >> What was I going to What else was I going to do with it? Like it did Well >> I mean I guess hypothetically, right? Were you worried that he was not dead and that he was going to >> No, I I >> Okay. You just didn't want to leave it behind. You were in shock and just grabbed it and walked outside. Were you smoking a cigarette or were you just getting some fresh air? >> Smoking a cigarette. >> Okay. And then right before I walked out um you you know, I kind of knew what you meant cuz I had we'd gone down that whole rabbit hole of how you were feeling, but you you know, you said you pulled the trigger and then it was just you know, you said it was just guilt. And I assume you meant you felt guilty for doing it um cuz you said you didn't mean to. But what walk me through what you mean by it was just guilt. What were your feelings? >> It's like I I just It hit him. >> Okay. >> I just If anything, it was just like the I'm going to be okay. I'm going to beat your ass. Here's my belt kind of thing. >> Sure. >> I didn't >> You were Would you say you were trying to intimidate him? >> I would It's just >> To be blunt >> Yeah, I said that I would wouldn't hesitate to do it if I had to. >> Okay. >> I guess. >> Do you feel like you had to? >> If that If he wouldn't have come against me Well, >> I mean, in in a new >> But I didn't. I didn't hurt him. >> What? >> I just wanted to show as much aggression as he showed as he has done to me cuz I wasn't as strong as him. >> Sure. Did you feel if you didn't shoot him that he was going to kill you? >> I didn't want to shoot him. It was never my intentions. >> Okay, I guess to rephrase that question, did you feel that you were fear for your life, or do you think he was just going to hurt you again or break your ribs? >> Yeah. And then it would have stopped him from doing that. >> Yeah, to which one? >> Him hurting me again and cuz I just gotten up from being hurt. >> Sure. Um if we do talk to uh Ruthie or Amy um throughout this investigation, is there anything that you want us to say to Ruthie or anything like that? >> If I can request anything to talk to Ruthie. >> Okay. Well, I mean, if she reaches out to me and has questions, you know. >> Absolutely, then talk to her, but don't >> But is there some Is there anything you want me to >> Don't reach out to her. >> Okay. >> It's her dad. It's her only dad she has. >> But is there anything that you want me to relay to her on your behalf? Or cuz she obviously knows the backstory, you already clarified that. Um I'm also trying to get a feel for where your mindset is at here, you know, like Sometimes people will >> me. >> She's not here. >> own daughter. >> Sure. >> And as far as Jennifer Zaleski that's Tyler anything that she was talking to. >> Why do you say that? >> Uh she went to prison for burning down the city fire hall. >> Okay. So, she's in prison currently? Or she's out? >> She's out. >> Okay. >> But there was domestic violence >> domestic violence against her. >> But there is a there is the criminal record on her. >> Okay. So, she's going to >> But as far as Amy goes as far as outside of that >> Was Jonathan ever arrested for domestic violence? >> Twice. >> Against Amy, correct? >> Jennifer and Amy. >> So, once each or two times each? >> Once each. >> Okay. Again, I haven't had the chance I've been here with you this whole time. >> He went to jail over Amy. >> Okay. And this was all prior to you being in the picture, correct? Okay. How'd you meet Jonathan? Through your friends or your brothers or sisters? >> My ex's sister was dating him. >> Okay. So, you guys met at a party or a get-together or Kind of kind of >> Christmas, yeah. >> Christmas, okay. Got you. Those friends uh friends of yours or they related to >> Oh, friends. >> Okay. Did you talk to him about like the stuff uh when you broke your ribs a couple months ago or how what incidents is we talking about? All the way back 15, 20 times or >> I did that well, like the last 3 years. >> Okay. >> Zoe for sure. >> Okay. Before today, when was the last time that you guys had an argument this heated where you felt you needed to get a gun? Or you, you know, you like you said, you threatened, "If you do it again, I'll kill you." or whatever you said to him. Does this happen quite a bit in terms of you feel so threatened or is it escalate to certain points and it's worse than others? >> That was worse than worse than others at some points, but >> Okay. >> at the same time it happened often. More than way too often. >> I mean, we talking every day or a couple times a week or >> It's a couple times a week. >> Okay. >> Unfortunately. >> I mean, I know I already asked it, but I guess walk me through your mind as to why you never called the police on him. >> I said I didn't want to get him in trouble. >> Didn't want to get him in trouble? Does he pay the bills or like you guys each make your own income or >> He pays the bills, but I pay my own way, but >> Okay. So, you don't lean on him financially. If you needed to leave, you could pay your own bills cuz you I'm assuming your business is pretty successful. Like you you make enough money to >> It's good enough. >> Sure. >> I mean, but it it's it's hours. >> Sure. Okay. >> But I paid for, you know, the groceries and the detergents and >> Do you >> all the accessories and all that [ __ ] and I paid for my stuff. I didn't ask him for anything. >> Okay. Do you own your own car and stuff or does he pay for that or >> No, I have my own car. >> So, the truck's yours and Okay. Do you pay your own cell phone bill? >> Yes. >> Okay. Does he ever restrict you from using the cell phone or just ask questions about like you said you guys would always ask who you text and get >> It's locked. It's locked and you never had access to it. >> You never had access but he wouldn't take it away from you and stop you from calling. >> I would find his though. >> Okay. >> Yeah. That would be where some of the arguments came from is you'd snoop through his phone or something. >> Okay. >> And where are you talking to her and >> Did you think he was being unfaithful? >> Yes and no. >> Okay. Did you call him up >> on that tonight? Is that what really sent him over the edge? >> No, he just asked him about his phone and >> It was it was No, it was [ __ ] stupid telling me cuz it's just it was out of the ordinary or wasn't even over a woman. It wasn't over It it was just like that. Random argument of just stupid [ __ ] and then he just It's very hard person to get along with. >> Sure. So our plan here moving forward is my my partner is working on a search warrant just to clarify and make things a little bit easier. I know you've been cooperative and are consenting to your phones and all these other things but I want to get you over to the hospital to have them since one they're probably females working nurses that can look at your injuries. I'm not going to make you strip down here and >> Okay. I'm going to make one request is that there is an advocate really grayway. >> Okay. I mean for a nurse? >> Yes. >> Okay. Does she work at there? >> Yes. And that is his ex. >> Okay. Grayway. >> Gray g r a y w e y Gransky g r a n s k e >> s k Okay. I can put that in but basically what I would like is just to take some photos of your ribs. Maybe I don't know how the extent of their examinations, but basically if you did sustain broken ribs estimated 2 to 3 months ago like you thought or however many months ago, there would still be some sort of scarring I got to imagine. I'm not a medical expert, but you know, just to corroborate your story that yes, in the past he's gotten to the point where he's broken your ribs. You know, historically it's just been pretty bad, but what doesn't help you is that you never went in to do anything about it. You didn't report it. You didn't tell us. We didn't investigate it. So this is why we got to take all these extra steps right now. Okay, so I appreciate your patience and your cooperation. I know it's getting late, but this isn't something that's just going to go away, you know, like in the blink of an eye. We got We got a lot of questions to answer, especially me. So that's our plan here moving forward once we get you over there, they'll do their exam, and then we'll we'll decide which direction we're going after that. Ultimately, you know, you're not free to leave, okay? So you're you're probably going to be staying with us for the night until we can get it situated. Ultimately, the prosecutor has the decision to decide what is best fit for now, and then you'll have your day to explain or they might say, "Hey, we don't want to pursue charges." It's entirely up to them, okay? And even if they do want to pursue charges for something like some negligence or anything like that, manslaughter or something, who knows? They they have the ability to charge up, charge down, work with you, you know, take your honesty into consideration. They have a a lot of leeway. Um but even then, they're not your your jury, okay? You know, they don't decide. I don't determine that you're guilty or not guilty. It's up to a jury, your peers, and you're entitled to that right, okay? And that's honestly God's truth. I'm just explaining your process. Um and we can go from there. So Um, let's start there. Sit tight for a second and then I'll have my partner Deputy Martin, same one that brought you here, will probably be the one kind of bringing you over to the hospital or somebody. It's been likely not going to be me cuz I have to go back to the house and collect all the evidence and do all that and pick up your gun. Um, so on and so forth. >> And will I get that back? >> Um, >> It's not registered in my name, but >> I know it's not registered in your name, but as of right now it's evidence. Um, so it will be here until the whole proceeding is adjudicated. Um, if for example everything's closed out, nothing criminal, then yeah, we'd have no reason to keep it, but if it was deemed a criminal proceeding and you used it, it's going to be held as evidence. It doesn't mean we're going to just destroy it or get rid of it. Um, it just means I can't give you that answer right now cuz ultimately it's not up to me. Um, but uh, we'll we'll get to the bottom of it. Um, there is a chance you could get it back, but it's probably a small chance already now. Okay, it just depends on the directions that this goes, okay? >> Cuz cuz it was my dad's. >> Sure, yeah. I understand sentimental value. I've got a firearm that was not registered to you. >> it is, probably. And then we don't want it back anyway. >> Okay. >> Heatherly Mogg was originally charged with second-degree homicide, felony firearm, and possession of a firearm while under the influence in the 2022 shooting death of her boyfriend Jonathan Tippett in Emmet County, Michigan. She pleaded guilty on November 22nd, 2022 to manslaughter with intent but without malice and was sentenced on January 25th, 2023 to 5 to 15 years in prison with parole eligibility set for December 22nd, 2027. Maximum discharge December 22nd, 2037. Based on the most recent verified information, she remains incarcerated at the Huron Valley Complex for women. >> Mhm.