Crime Salad Podcast Episode Summary: “UNDETERMINED” For Too Long—The Mysterious Death of Heather Turner (Heather Milam)
Release Date: August 2, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of Crime Salad, hosts Ashley and Ricky delve into the perplexing and unresolved case of Heather Turner, a 35-year-old mother whose death remains officially undetermined nearly a decade later. Through meticulous storytelling and analysis, they explore the intricate details, inconsistencies, and unanswered questions that shroud Heather's tragic demise.
Background on Heather Turner
Heather Nicole Milam was a vibrant and beloved individual, known for her infectious smile and calming presence. Described by friends and family as a devoted mother, friend, and sister, Heather expressed her creativity through singing and writing. Her talents were evident in the heartfelt letters she penned and a poignant YouTube video of her singing from 13 years prior.
Notable Quote:
“She was the kind of person people gravitated towards. She had this big, infectious smile and a calming presence...”
— Ashley [05:41]
Heather's personal life included a high school marriage to Philip Elsner, a preacher's son, with whom she had a son. Their relationship eventually deteriorated, leading Heather to seek counsel within their church community.
The Relationship Between Heather and Andy Turner
In 2004, Andy Turner, an associate pastor with a charismatic and adaptable demeanor, joined Heather and Philip's church. Through his role, Andy became involved in counseling Heather and Philip during their marital struggles. By 2008, rumors of an affair emerged, culminating in both Heather and Andy divorcing their respective spouses and marrying in 2014—though this marriage was later disputed.
Notable Quote:
"Honestly, it's not every day that a pastor publicly claims that his signature was forged on a marriage license. Let's crazy."
— Heather [09:38]
Heather's relationship with Andy was fraught with tension and allegations of abuse. Friends and family reported that Heather confided in them about Andy's abusive behavior, including physical violence and emotional manipulation. Emails between Heather and her co-worker Rob revealed Andy's threatening behavior, such as stating, “he would bury me before he signed divorce papers.” (Timestamp: [12:48])
The Fateful 911 Call and Scene Details
On May 4, 2017, just after 6 AM, Andy Turner made a 911 call reporting Heather's death, claiming she had shot herself. The scene was unsettling: Heather was found naked on the bathroom floor with a gunshot wound to her head and the shower still running. However, subtle inconsistencies in Andy's account raised immediate suspicions.
Notable Quote:
"And this is such a difficult call to listen to. At one point, Andy starts making the sound like he's throwing up and all you can really hear is Andy sobbing on the other end of the line."
— Ashley [13:41]
Upon investigation, discrepancies were noted:
- Gun Placement: Andy initially stated the gun was on the floor next to Heather but later reported it wrapped in a towel.
- Presence of Andy's Parents: During the 911 call, Andy mentioned only his daughter was present. However, his parents were physically present in the home, a fact only revealed when his mother joined the call ([14:06]).
- Scene Management: Officers found the bathroom disturbed with steam from the shower and noted inconsistencies in the location and nature of witness accounts.
Notable Quote:
"If Heather never consented to that marriage, what else in her life might have been affected by someone else's control?"
— Ashley [09:38]
Investigation and Inconsistencies
The initial response to Heather's death lacked thoroughness. Critical steps in processing the crime scene were reportedly skipped:
- No Securing of the Scene: The house was not taped off upon discovery.
- Delayed Search Warrant: It took 12 days for investigators to return with a search warrant, during which time the home was reoccupied, potentially compromising evidence ([22:22]).
- Conflicting Reports: The coroner's report conflicted with the incident report regarding the location of Heather's gunshot wound (left vs. right side of her head) ([23:15]).
Additionally, Heather had been actively planning to leave Andy, as evidenced by her emails and the day-before meeting with a judge about her relationship issues and Andy's possession of a gun. Despite these warning signs, the investigation did not fully explore these aspects, leading the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to classify the case as undetermined ([16:29]).
Notable Quote:
"It just seems like not very characteristic of a typical self inflicted passing and all these things that we're saying caused the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to rule this case as undetermined..."
— Heather [23:22]
Aftermath and Current Status
Eight years after Heather's death, the case remains unresolved. Heather's family and supporters have been relentless in their pursuit of answers, citing numerous procedural flaws and lack of progress. They have engaged in various advocacy efforts, including petitions, public meetings, and maintaining a dedicated Facebook page to keep Heather's story alive and pressure authorities for a re-investigation.
Andy Turner, Heather's former husband, has remained evasive, refusing interviews with law enforcement. His subsequent relationship with their nanny turned abusive, further casting a shadow over his character and motivations. In 2023, Andy published a book, "Who Turned up the Silence," presenting his perspective on the events, which has been met with skepticism from Heather's family and supporters who dispute the accuracy of his claims.
Notable Quote:
"They are warriors for sure... they've been waiting for years for, quote, unquote, further investigation to arrive, but from their perspective, nothing has changed."
— Heather [29:32]
Heather's family continues to question why key investigative steps were overlooked and why the case has not received the necessary attention to bring closure.
Conclusion
The mysterious death of Heather Turner remains shrouded in uncertainty and suspicion. Despite substantial efforts by her loved ones to seek the truth, systemic delays and possible conflicts of interest have hindered the investigation. This episode of Crime Salad highlights the profound impact of unresolved cases on families and underscores the critical need for thorough and unbiased investigations in the pursuit of justice.
For those moved by Heather's story, supporting her family's ongoing efforts is encouraged through the Justice for Heather Turner Facebook page, ensuring that her name and quest for truth remain in the public consciousness.
Support Heather's Loved Ones:
Visit the Justice for Heather Turner Facebook Page to contribute, share her story, and help keep the pressure on authorities to resolve this longstanding mystery.
Thank you for tuning into this week's episode of Crime Salad. If you found this summary insightful, please leave a comment, share your thoughts, and spread the word about our podcast. Join us next time as we continue to explore the intricate and often unsettling stories that lie beneath the surface of true crime.