Brutal Stabbing Death At Timberland Results In Murder Indictment

STRATHAM, NH - On February 9, 2020 a woman was stabbed to death at Timberland Corporation in Stratham, NH.

The victim Catherine Heppner, 46, of Exeter, was killed Feb. 9 due to "stab wounds" and her death has been ruled a homicide, according to the state's medical examiner, Christine James.

Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald announced on September 16,2020 that Robert Pavao, 21 formerly of Berwick, Maine, has been indicted by the New Hampshire Multicounty Grand Jury in connection with the death of Catherine Heppner on February 9, 2020, in Stratham, New Hampshire.

Robert Pavao was indicted for one count of first degree murder for knowingly causing the death of Catherine Heppner by stabbing her before, after, and/or while engaged in the commission of, or while attempting to commit felonious sexual assault, and one count of second-degree murder for recklessly causing the death of Catherine Heppner under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to the value of human life by stabbing her.

Robert Pavao continues to be held without bail. The charges and allegations set forth in the indictments are merely accusations, and Robert Pavao is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

According to LinkedIn, Heppner had worked off and on for Timberland since 2003, as a marketing manager, senior manager of North America Marketing, and Director of North America Marketing.