Aaron Compton
CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. -Aaron Compton Jr. was arraigned Friday at the Catawba County Justice Center on multiple felony charges in the case of the kidnapping and murder of Tabatha Spake Heavner.
Compton is charged with murder, first-degree burglary, first-degree kidnapping, robbery with a dangerous weapon and assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury.
His probable cause hearing is set for Sept. 4, and bond is set at $500,000.
The court, with Superior Court Judge Burford Cherry presiding, appointed Lisa Dubs as Compton’s attorney.
Heavner’s family and friends were in attendance. Her former husband, Jason Heavner, carried a picture of her and one of their daughters. The family did not speak after the arraignment.
According to investigators, Compton broke into Heavner’s apartment on Rocky Ford Road in Maiden around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, stabbed her in the residence, and forced her into her car.
Investigators said that at around 5:20 a.m. while on U.S. 321 southbound near Gaston College, Heavner leaped out of the car. Compton then allegedly pulled the car over and stabbed Heavner more while on the side of the road.
Heavner escaped but was hit by a semi and other vehicles. She died at the scene.
Compton then called 911 and turned himself in to authorities around 6:45 a.m. at a Walgreens in Maiden.
