Tyler Hardin’s Mother Speaks Out About Heather Nowlin

A South Zanesville woman pleaded guilty Wednesday in court to charges in connection with the death of an area teenager.

20-year-old Heather Nowlin appeared in Muskingum County Common Pleas Court Wednesday, where she pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to aggravated murder, kidnapping, and tampering with evidence.

The charges stem from the July 2010 death of 19-year-old Tyler Hardin, whose body was later found in a shallow grave on a property in Newton Township. The charges against Nowlin carry a twenty-five year sentence.

Hardin’s mother, Kim Saunders, was in court today in support of her son, and says seeing Nowlin was very emotional.

"Twenty-five years, to me, is no justice for Tyler." said Saunders. "She should have admitted to it from the beginning, instead of waiting all this time. Now I fell like she is pleading guilty to take an easy way out, a plea bargain, to help herself,"

It’s been a little over a year since Tyler Hardin was killed, and Saunders says time hasn’t healed the wound.

"Nothing can ever fix it, I can’t even say if a life sentence would be enough." she said. "It’s hard, it’s been real hard. I think about him every day, every day."

Heather Nowlin’s bond was continued at one million dollars. Her husband, Terrell Nowlin, is also facing multiple charges in connection with Hardin’s death, including aggravated murder. If convicted, Terrell Nowlin could face the death penalty. His trial is scheduled for December 12th of this year.