ASHEBORO N.C. – The wife of a local firefighter has been booked into the Randolph County Jail on murder charges just 3 days after a local fire department announced the unexpected death on Facebook.
The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office says on Saturday, June 25th, 2022, they responded to Ridge Rd in Seagrove after receiving a 911 call regarding an alleged self-inflicted gunshot wound. They identified the victim as 37-year-old MJ (Mishael James) Auman, and say he was transported to an area hospital by emergency personnel where he succumbed to his injuries.
On June 26th 2022, the Seagrove Rural Volunteer Fire Department announced that MJ Auman, a volunteer with the department for 21 years, had died unexpectedly on Saturday.
MJ Auman was also one of the first paid firefighters hired by the Ramseur Fire Department, which in a post on Facebook called him a trailblazer who helped the department set up many programs they continue to build on to this day. MJ was also was employed with the City of Asheboro.
Today we learned from court records that on Tuesday June 28th 2022 following an investigation by the Sheriff Office’s detectives and in consultation with the District Attorney’s Office, a warrant was issued for Heather Hicks Auman, wife of MJ Auman, for his murder.
Hicks was arrested by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office this morning just before 10 am at her home in Seagrove.
Heather Hicks Auman
- First Degree Murder
No Bond
Bond was denied and a first appearance has been set for July 1, 2022, in Randolph County District Court. The Sheriff’s office says the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Randolph County Crime Stoppers.
UPDATE 6/29/22 – Randolph County Fire Marshal Erik Beard on behalf of Seagrove Rural
Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. issued a statement regarding today’s news.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Seagrove Firefighter Misael James (MJ)
Randolph County Fire Marshal Erik Beard
Auman on Saturday, June 25, 2022. MJ served the citizens of Randolph County and the
Seagrove community for over 21 years. This is a devastating blow to the fire service of our
county as Firefighter Auman also served at the Ramseur, Ulah and Tabernacle Fire Departments
over the past 21 years.
MJ’s infectious smile, outgoing personality and willingness to serve others will forever be
missed throughout our county’s fire service. Our thoughts and prayers are with the MJ’s family
and friends during this time of loss.
Public Information Officer for Seagrove Rural Volunteer Fire Department